The Cubs (27-26) are playing their worst baseball of the season with four consecutive losses, including both games against the Cardinals in a rain-shortened weekend series. The offense has been a major culprit in a 9-14 May malaise that has seen Chicago drop to within a single game of the .500 mark and a tie with St. Louis in the standings. Now they face the daunting task of four against the first-place Brewers on the road starting Monday.
Milwaukee (30-22) just completed a three-city road trip with a 4-5 record but actually gained in the standings on the Cubs. Christian Yelich and William Contreras continue to be the driving forces in a lineup that has been pretty potent so far in 2024. Young third baseman Joey Ortiz is also having a very strong season.
The pitching is solid but certainly not unhittable so far with a 3.88 team ERA. Freddy Peralta has been good as the ace after the departure of Corbin Burnes. Former Cub Trevor Megill is putting up very impressive numbers as the closer, filling in for the injured Devin Williams.
The Brewers lost two of three at Wrigley Field earlier this month but Chicago has gone 6-10 since and really needs to turn things around. To add some extra drama, this is the first game back at American Family Field for Craig Counsell after he jumped ship for the hated Cubs in the offseason.
The North Siders are really going to have to step things up these next four contests or this skid could turn into a big slide in a hurry. This is an early test, let’s see if they can survive it.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, May 27 at 3:10pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, May 28 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, May 29 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Thursday, May 30 at 12:10pm CT MLB Network (out of market only) and Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
What to Watch For
- Ian Happ has five extra-base hits in his last five games played.
- Imanaga was skipped in the rotation after the rainout in St. Louis and will pitch with 10 days of rest.
- Mike Tauchman reached base five times against the Cardinals.
