The Milwaukee Brewers make the short trip down I-94 to Chicago for a Monday night division showdown at Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET on August 31. Kyle Harrison gets the ball for Milwaukee against Cubs right-hander Clay Holmes in what amounts to a pivotal NL Central clash late in the regular season. With the standings tight and divisional games carrying maximum weight, the Brewers need a strong performance on the road to keep pace. Brewers fans can catch the action on Brewers.TV Presented by Potawatomi Sportsbook or listen on WTMJ 620 AM.

Brewers at Cubs: Monday Night Pitching Matchup at Wrigley Field

Kyle Harrison draws the start for Milwaukee. The left-hander will be tested immediately by a Cubs lineup that features genuine middle-of-the-order pop. Harrison's command and ability to work through a deep Chicago batting order will be central to the Brewers' chances of leaving Wrigley with a win.

On the other side, Clay Holmes takes the mound for the Cubs. Holmes will look to shut down a Brewers lineup that has questions up and down the order. Milwaukee will need to do damage early and find ways to manufacture runs if Harrison and Holmes both settle in and pitch deep into the game.

Brewers Lineup Keys to Watch Against Chicago

Manager Pat Murphy has set his lineup with Brice Turang leading off at second base, followed by Jackson Chourio in left field. Those two set the table for the heart of the order — Jake Bauers at first base, William Contreras behind the plate, and Christian Yelich sliding into the DH spot batting fifth. Getting Contreras and Yelich going in the middle of the order is critical. If those two can put pressure on Holmes early, the Brewers have a real chance.

• Jackson Chourio (LF, No. 2): The young outfielder hitting second gives Milwaukee a dynamic presence early in the order. His ability to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths could set the tone.
• William Contreras (C, No. 4): The cleanup catcher is the anchor of this offense. A big night from Contreras goes a long way toward deciding this game.
• Christian Yelich (DH, No. 5): Yelich in the five-hole brings veteran presence to a lineup that needs production against a quality Cubs pitching staff.
• Garrett Mitchell (CF, No. 6): Mitchell's speed and contact ability in the six spot give Milwaukee a second-half-of-lineup weapon that can keep rallies alive.

Cubs Lineup Threats Milwaukee Must Contain

The Cubs are not a pushover at home. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off in center field and brings speed to the top of the order. The most dangerous name in the Chicago lineup, however, is Alex Bregman batting third at third base — an experienced, disciplined hitter who punishes mistakes. Seiya Suzuki in the two-hole and Nico Hoerner at shortstop round out a lineup that Harrison cannot afford to lose focus against, especially early in the ballgame.

Prediction: Brewers Lineup Needs to Solve Holmes Early

This game comes down to which offense can get to the opposing starter first. Wrigley Field in late August is a prime-time environment, and the Cubs have the lineup to make it uncomfortable for Milwaukee in a hurry. If Harrison can keep Bregman and Suzuki in check and Contreras delivers a big hit or two in the middle innings, the Brewers have the pieces to steal this one on the road. It won't be easy, but NL Central games rarely are. Expect a tight, low-scoring contest that comes down to the bullpens late. Edge: Brewers 4, Cubs 3.