AP Sports Preview

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers meet Tuesday night at Wrigley Field in the second game of a three-game series, with first place in the National League Central at stake.

The Cubs (29-18) hold a 3½-game lead over the Brewers (26-18) in the division standings. Chicago took the series opener 1-0 on Monday.

Milwaukee has not announced which of its two listed probable pitchers will start Tuesday. Right-handers Jacob Misiorowski (3-2) and Ben Brown (1-1) are both potential options.

The weather forecast calls for 73 degrees and rain at game time.

Players to watch

Brewers left-hander DL Hall has been a reliable bullpen presence in recent weeks. Over his past nine appearances dating to April 22, Hall has allowed only one earned run across 11 1/3 innings (0.79 ERA) while striking out 14. He threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings Sunday at Minnesota.

Cubs designated hitter Michael Conforto has provided a spark at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs in Sunday’s 9-8, 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox. Over his past three games, Conforto is 3-for-8 with two homers and four RBIs.

Recent results

Milwaukee dropped its previous game Sunday, falling 5-4 at Minnesota. Outfielder Sal Frelick went 2-for-5 with an RBI. The Brewers had won four of five entering that contest.

Chicago lost 9-8 in 10 innings Sunday at the White Sox, despite Conforto’s big day. Right-hander Colin Rea allowed four earned runs over 4 2/3 innings.

Head-to-head

Monday’s 1-0 Brewers victory marked the first meeting between the teams this season. Milwaukee took the opener despite managing only three hits.

On deck

The series concludes Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Milwaukee then returns home to face the Los Angeles Dodgers for three games starting Friday. Chicago hosts the Houston Astros for a three-game set beginning Friday.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-3 Milwaukee victory.