Both the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are coming off disappointing losses on the eve of a big four-game series kicking off Thursday night at Miller Park, but expect both teams to be on top of their game as soon as the first pitch is thrown.
Brewers closer gave up 2-run walk-off home run in the 9th inning Wednesday, propelling the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-4 victory.
"Last time I checked we're still in the race," Knebel said. "It's a good feeling to still be right there. Couple games left, just shake this one up and get ready for tomorrow, especially against the Cubs."
The Tampa Bay Rays snapped the Cubs seven-game winning streak, keeping the Brewers 3-1/2 games behind in the NL Central lead with 10 games left in the season.
The Cubs had not lost since being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series in Chicago on Sept. 8-10.
"It's going to be very exciting," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "We got the split here, which is good. Moving it forward, you've got to beat 'em straight-up sometimes and that's what we're going to have to do."
Zach Davies (17-9, 3.89 ERA) starts the opener for the Brewers, who are 8-7 this season against the World Series champions.
Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta, who has missed two starts due to a strained right hamstring, will pitch Thursday at Milwaukee.
The Brewers are also 1 game back from a Wild Card spot.
