Game Thread #101: Milwaukee Brewers (57-43) @ Chicago Cubs (49-53)

Brewers look to even series behind Colin Rea

A day after a disappointing game in which the Milwaukee Brewers failed time and time again to capitalize on scoring opportunities, they’ll look to rebound versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. They’ll do so behind the steady hand of Colin Rea, while the Cubs will send Jameson Taillon to the mound.

This will be the third matchup between Rea and Taillon this season. The Brewers have won both previous games; in each, Rea pitched 5 ¹⁄₃ innings and Taillon pitched six. Rea allowed one run on five hits in a 6-4 victory on May 30 and two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts on June 28 in a 4-2 win. Taillon wasn’t bad in either start, as he allowed three earned runs in both. It’s a fun matchup—Rea has probably been the Brewers’ most reliable starting pitcher this season, while Taillon is arguably having the best season of his nine-year career.

Christian Yelich remains in tonight’s lineup as the DH, with Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick going left-to-right in the outfield. With the righty Taillon on the mound, Jake Bauers is giving Rhys Hoskins a night off. Brice Turang, who has been struggling lately, remains the leadoff hitter.

First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. (those sneaky five minutes got me last night) on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.

UPDATE: After a rain delay (get a roof, Chicago), the game is now scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.