A huge series between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers kicks off with the opener of a three-game set starting Friday night inside American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They toss out the first pitch at 8:10 p.m. 

The Cubs (82-77) entered Thursday's night's action just 1/2 game back of one of the final wildcard spots in the National League. The Philadelphia Phillies already clinched one of the spots and now several teams are vying for the final spot. The Cubs were left for dead a month or so ago, but they went on a great run to get themselves back into playoff contention. They have some nice pop in their lineup too, including veteran center fielder Cody Bellinger who has slugged 26 home runs to go along with his 96 RBI while batting .310 on the season. 

They are going to send out 33-year-old veteran hurler Kyle Hendricks who sports a record of 6-8 and has not pitched very well at times this season. He is just 1-1 in his last three starts. He has fanned 91 hitters in just 132 innings of work. 

The Brewers (90-69) easily clinched the NL Central and they were a strong favorite to win the division this season. They have really put together a very strong season and they got some great production from key players, including shortstop Willy Adames who has clubbed a team-high 24 home runs to go along with 76 RBI while batting just .212 on the season, His power numbers and clutch hitting makes up for his low average. 

Milwaukee has won two straight since dropping three in a row. They have won six of nine overall and have easily run away with the division. They are a team that loves to steal bases and they have three players on their roster that have stolen 10 or more bases, with two having stolen 20 or more. They are a very sound-base running team. 

They will hand the ball over to 30-year-old Brandon Woodruff who has put together a very solid record of 5-1 to go along with an ERA of 2.28. He has pitched very well of late, winning two of his last four starts. This is a great spot for him to show that he can be counted on come the playoffs. You can never have enough arms, and the Brewers are hoping their pitching takes them deep into October. 

The Brewers are 2-3 in their last five games and are 1-4 in their last five games against the number. They are a solid 43-38 in their road games against the number. The totals have gone over in two of their last five games and 37 out of their last 77 games at home. The Cubs are 3-2 in their last five games and 4-1 in their last five games against the number. The Cubs are 35-42 in their road games against the number and the totals have gone over in three of their last five games and 40 out of their last 81 games at home.