Cubs look to avoid sweep at Wrigley

Wednesday was a night of mixed emotions for Cubs fans. On one hand, Chicago dropped another game to Milwaukee, by a 3-1 final, but second baseman Darwin Barney set the National League single-season record for consecutive errorless games by a second baseman. His 114 straight error-free games ranks second in Cubs history behind one of the best infielders to ever set foot on Wrigley Field – Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg did not commit an error in 123 straight games between the 1989 and 1990 seasons, so Barney needs just ten more to break the franchise record for second baseman – which would also put him first all time amongst second baseman, in terms of consecutive errorless games in a career.

Meanwhile, the Cubs conclude a series with Milwaukee this afternoon at Wrigley Field. Rookie Brooks Raley (1-2, 6.64 ERA) looks to prevent Chicago from being swept by the Brewers, and turn the tide in what has been a horrendous month of August, record-wise (6-22).

Anthony Rizzo is back in the lineup for Chicago, after being given a day off yesterday, following his recent slump in which he went just 8-for-38 in his last 11 games (.211) with only one extra-base hit.

Here is the Cubs starting lineup for this afternoon’s contest: They will square off against Brewers’ Shawn Marcum (4-3, 2.84), who has been mentioned in trade rumors of late.

1 David DeJesus LF

2 Luis Valbuena 3B

3 Starlin Castro SS

4 Anthony Rizzo 1B

5 Bryan LaHair RF

6 Steve Clevenger C

7 Brett Jackson CF

8 Darwin Barney 2B

9 Brooks Raley P