Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs look for win in series opener

The Chicago Cubs (13-26) return home Friday to open a series against the NL Central division leading Milwaukee Brewers (26-15) after dropping two of three against the Cardinals down in St. Louis earlier this week.

Chicago turns to ace Jeff Samardzija (0-3, 1.45 ERA) in the opener. The club will have to string some offense together for the right-hander, who is still searching for his first win of the season halfway through the month of May, despite sporting one of the best earned run averages in all of Major League Baseball.

Samardzija is coming off a six-inning start, in which he did not record a decision against the Braves. He allowed just two hits in the start, which came hot on the heels of his nine-inning effort against the White Sox. In his last two starts, he’s allowed a combined five hits in 15 innings of work.

Opposite Samardzija will be veteran right-hander Kyle Lohse (4-1, 2.75 ERA) – who is quietly putting together an impressive season up in Milwaukee. In his career, Lohse is 5-6 with a 5.15 ERA in 20 starts, showing a consistent struggle against Chicago.

Today’s game is slated for a 1:20 p.m. CT start, weather permitting. WGN will handle both the television and radio broadcast for the game.

Here are today’s starting lineups: