The Chicago Cubs claimed the opener of this four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers in dramatic fashion on Thursday to move 4.5 games ahead at the top of National League Central. We could see how much this set means for both teams, and I think the reigning World Series champions will get the better of their division rival tonight as well in Game 2 of this crucial series.

John Lackey (11-11, 4.62 ERA) will take the ball for the Cubs. He's 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 14 career starts against the Brewers but just 1-2 on the season despite a decent 3.79 ERA and 18 Ks through 19 innings of work. Lackey has allowed just a total of four runs through 18 2/3 frames in his last three turns combined. The Cubs are 10-2 in Lackeys last 12 starts.

The Brew Crew turn to Brandon Woodruff (2-2, 3.28 ERA) who will make his seventh start in the big leagues. He did really well through his first four, but the 24 year old has surrendered nine runs on 15 hits in 12 innings through his last two starts. The Cubs are 8-1 in their last nine overall and they should take full advantage of this inexperience pitcher tonight.

The Cubs are 5-1 in the last six meetings at Miller Park.
My selection is a 10* play on Chicago Cubs.