Game Seventy-Six: Cubs (37-38) vs. Brewers (42-36)
Game Time - 7:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet/MLB Network - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 183
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Ryan Dempster (4-5, 4.09/1.36) vs. Seth McClung (3-1, 3.55/1.47)

Updated 4:20pm C.T. - Cubs Acquired Jeff Baker from the Rockies on Thursday and designated Ryan Freel for Assignment

Seventy-six games into the 2009 season and the Brewers will play their first games of the year this weekend at Wrigley Field. The Cubs split the first six games of the season against the Brewers in Milwaukee with the last series taking place from May 8 - May 10 ... the weekend the Cubs lost Aramis Ramirez for two months.

The Cubs enter play tonight 3 1/2 games behind the Brewers, fourth place in the central ... 2 1/2 behind the Cardinals and just a half game behind the Reds.

The Cubs are a much different team at Wrigley (21-13, 16-25 on the road) and will play their final 11 games of the first half at home. Following the Brewers four-game set, the Braves are in for three and after a day off, the Cardinals invade Wrigley for four games in three days. Despite an underachieving first half, the Cubs are in the thick of the race but the next 11 games will have an impact on the remainder of the season.

Reports before and during Wednesday's game indicated Alfonso Soriano could be out of the starting lineup once again tonight. The Cubs need a healthy Alfonso Soriano in order to have a better second half of the season. Soriano is far from healthy right now and not producing at the plate. Lou Piniella must stick to his guns and give him the time he needs to get back on track.

The Brewers will be looking to return the favor from last July ... and for the Cubs, it all starts with Ryan Dempster.