The set-up: The Brewers bested the Cubs 2-1 in 11 innings on Friday, as the defending champs fell to 2-2 to open the 2017 season. The Cubs have played three one-run games so far, with their first four contests being decided by a total of just five runs. The Brewers' win makes them 2-3 to open the 2017 season as the teams clash in the middle contest of this three-game series at Miller Park.

The pitching matchup: Kyle Hendricks (16-8, 2.13 ERA in 2016) makes his 2017 debut for the Cubs and will be opposed by Tommy Milone, who pitched in relief on Opening Day, allowing two runs and three hits over two innings. Milone will make at least one start while Junior Guerra nurses a calf injury. The veteran Milone, pitching for his fourth team in seven years, appeared in seven spring training games, including three starts, posting a 9.00 ERA with nine strikeouts and two walks in 14 innings. Hendricks begins the season in the No. 5 slot in the rotation despite leading the majors in ERA and finishing third in the National League Cy Young Award voting a year ago. The Brewers handed Hendricks two losses in four meetings last season, but he is 5-3 with a 2.11 ERA in 10 career starts against Milwaukee. The 27-year-old has been especially good at Miller Park, where he's 3-1 with a 1.82 ERA in five outings.

The pick: Milwaukee has won six of its last seven games against Chicago and is trying to capture its third straight series in the rivalry. However, Chicago's starting pitchers have been outstanding, posting a 1.99 ERA in 22 2/3 innings through the first four games. Expect more of the same with Kyle Hendricks on the mound Saturday, as he allowed more than two ERs only six times in 30 starts in 2016. Make teh Cubs an 8* play.