In final series, Brewers need extra offense against Cubs
The Milwaukee Brewers begin their final series of the season at home against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
The Cubs are coming into town hot, having won five games in a row -- their seventh separate win streak of at least five games in 2015.
They've had success against everyone in the second half, posting the National League's best record since the All-Stark break (47-25, .653). But Chicago has fared especially well against Milwaukee, posting a 9-1 record against the Brewers.
Cubs vs. Brewers -- Since All-Star Break
| Category | Cubs | Brewers |
| Wins | 9 | 1 |
| Runs/Game | 4.9 (49/10) | 2.4 (24/10) |
| Batting Avg | .240 (78/325) | .195 (65/334) |
| Home Runs | 15 | 5 |
| ERA | 2.08 (21/91.0) | 4.81 (46/86.0) |
The Brewers' best chance to boost their runs per game in the last series comes from their productive outfield, which has accounted for 241 RBI. That's the fourth most in the majors this season, behind the Padres (253), Nationals (253) and Diamondbacks (244).
Recently, the most productive of those outfielders has been Khris Davis, who has a .501 slugging percentage in 118 games. The left fielder's 26 home runs make up more than one-quarter of his 94 total hits, which represents the fourth-highest rate in the majors and the highest in the NL.
Highest Pct of Hits as Home Runs
| Player | Team | Pct. |
| Chris Davis | Orioles | 31.0 |
| Mark Teixeira | Yankees | 31.0 |
| Jose Bautista | Blue Jays | 29.6 |
| Khris Davis | Brewers | 27.7 |
| Albert Pujols | Angels | 27.5 |
Another player Milwaukee will lean on heavily is first baseman Adam Lind, who has enjoyed being at Miller Park, where he's hitting .343 this season. Among NL players, only Bryce Harper (.345) has a higher batting average at home. Of course, Lind's road batting average is .222, and that .121 differential is the largest between home and away of any player in baseball.
The Brewers, who have been going with an all-rookie rotation, will start Ariel Pena, Tyler Wagner and Jorge Lopez against the Cubs this weekend. Rookies have started 20 games for the Brewers since Sept. 1, second only to the Reds' 29 since that time in all of baseball.
