Cubs-Dodgers series preview

The Cubs struggled against the last-place Padres in San Diego, and a trip north to face the first-place Dodgers will only make life tougher.

At 61-57, the Cubs are six games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central. The Cubs are five games back of the wild card, trailing Colorado, San Francisco, Florida and Atlanta.

Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly predicted last week that his return might help his team, but it would not stop the Cardinals from winning. He was right – the Cardinals won two out of three at Los Angeles this week, and it will be up to the Cubs to split or win their series with the Dodgers to stay afloat.

That is easier said than done. Despite losing two out their last three games, the Dodgers (71-50) own the best record in the National League and the third-best record in baseball, behind only the Yankees and Angels.

If the Cubs can survive the Dodgers, their schedule becomes easier down the stretch. After Los Angeles, the Cubs play only eight of their remaining 40 games against teams with winning records. That includes a Sept. 3 game against the White Sox at Wrigley Field and trips to St. Louis and San Francisco in late September.

Here is a look at the probable pitching matchups for this week's series. All games will be broadcast on the radio at WGN-AM 720.

Thursday: 9:10 p.m., WGN
LHP Tom Gorzelanny (5-2, 5.24) vs. RHP Jeff Weaver (5-4, 3.71)

Friday: 9:10 p.m., Comcast SportsNet Plus
RHP Randy Wells (9-5, 3.01) vs. LHP Randy Wolf (7-6, 3.43)

Saturday: 3:10 p.m., FOX
LHP Ted Lilly (9-7, 3.42) vs. RHP Charlie Haeger (0-1, 3.86)

Sunday: 3:10 p.m., WGN
RHP Ryan Dempster (6-7, 4.28) vs. RHP Chad Billingsley (12-6, 3.70)

-Tom Musick