Pregame Notes: Cubs look for second straight win against the Brewers

The Chicago Cubs are playing for a chance at a fourth place tie. The Milwaukee Brewers are playing to make sure they finish above .500. The game may seem irrelevant to some, but these two teams know what’s on the line.

The Cubs (72-88) can finish in a fourth-place tie if the Cincinnati Reds lose their last two games, while the Cubs win theirs. It would be a huge victory for a team most people saw losing 100 games again following the trade of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel.

Tsuyoshi Wada (4-3, 3.22) had thought his previous start would be his final of the season. But he was told to be prepared in case of injury or changes to the rotation. With Edwin Jackson moved to the bullpen, and Kyle Hendricks skipping his last start due to the amount of innings he’s pitched, there was one last opening for Wada.

The Cubs are still debating on picking up his option for next year, but have made it clear to Wada whether they do or don’t, they’d like him back.

The Brewers (81-79) fall has been a long one. Once in first place in the NL Central as late as July, the Crew finds themselves fighting to finish over .500. After spending 150 days atop the division, it’s been a bitter pill to swallow for the Brewers.

Wily Peralta (16-11, 3.62) comes off of two seven inning gems, and hopes to give the Brewers that pivotal win to guarantee them a winning record. With a win, Peralta can join Chris Capuano (2005), and Yovani Gallardo (2011) as the only Brewers pitchers with 17 win seasons since 1992.

The game is scheduled for a 6:10 pm CT first pitch at Miller Park. The game will be carried on WGN TV, and broadcast on WGN 720 AM.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game: