It took up until the All-Star break, but the Cubs are finally coming on. Chicago is unbeaten since the All-Star Game going 4-0. The Cubs have won their past five road contests and are 15-6 on the season versus lefty starters, including winning their last seven against southpaws.

Atlanta is pitching rookie lefty Sean Newcomb. He looked good during his first four big league starts, but the league has figured him out. Newcomb has made two starts this month and is 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA giving up 11 runs in 7 1/3 innings. The Braves are playing with a thin bullpen having just recalled hitters Sean Rodriguez and Danny Santana. They are missing injured setup man Arodys Vizcaino, perhaps their most talented reliever.

The Cubs are averaging 7.7 runs in their last four games.

Veteran John Lackey gets the start for Chicago. Lackey is having a down season bothered by right foot plantar fascitis. But he has the veteran savvy and a better bullpen going for him that Newcomb lacks.

Lackey also has a 2.59 career ERA versus the Braves in four starts.