Chicago Cubs: Milwaukee presents a big challenge in 2018

The Cubs and Brewers are set up for a fun rivalry

Right now, the only thing holding the Brewers back from building on their lead in the NL Central is their lack-luster performance at the plate. They currently rank 24th in runs scored, 22nd in batting, 26th in OBP and 23rd in slugging percentage.

Despite their offensive struggles, the Brewers have what it takes this season to give the Cubs a solid run for their money. Whether or not the Brewers can maintain their success on the pitching side of the equation without a big game starter remains to be seen.

What will be interesting to watch moving forward is if the Cubs can find their own way on offense and build a gap between themselves and Milwaukee. Last season, we saw what can happen if the Cubs decide to turn on cruise control like it seemed they did during the first half of last season.

While the Brewers failed to hold off the Cubs in 2017, the first half performance by Milwaukee proved the guys from Wisconsin can run with the Cubs.

Next: Chicago Cubs: 28 down, 134 to go – a look at the season’s first month

So far this season, the Cubs are dominating the season series between the two clubs. But yet it’s the Brewers that are ahead in the standings. While Cubs’ fans, myself included, hope that doesn’t last as long as it did last year, it will be fun watching these two teams battle it out the remainder of this season and many more seasons to come.