The Chicago Cubs head to American Family Field on Tuesday, September 8 for a 7:40 PM ET showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers — a division rival that is never a casual Tuesday night opponent. David Peterson gets the ball for Chicago against Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski in a matchup that carries genuine NL Central weight. With the calendar deep into September and every game carrying playoff implications for teams fighting to stay alive or lock up position, this is exactly the kind of mid-week divisional battle the Cubs cannot afford to sleep on.

Pitching Matchup: Peterson vs. Misiorowski

David Peterson draws the start for the Cubs in this one. Peterson is a left-handed starter who has carved out a role as a reliable arm capable of keeping games manageable. The Cubs will need him to work deep into the lineup and limit damage against a Brewers lineup that is stacked with legitimate threats top to bottom.

On the other side, Jacob Misiorowski gets the nod for Milwaukee. Misiorowski is a hard-throwing right-hander who has shown the ability to miss bats at the big-league level. Chicago's hitters will need a plan against him early — let him get into a groove and this can be a long night at the plate.

Milwaukee Brewers Lineup to Watch

The Brewers are sending out a formidable lineup Tuesday night. Here is what the Cubs will be facing:

• Jackson Chourio (LF) — The young outfielder leads off and is Milwaukee's most dynamic offensive weapon. He can beat you with his legs and his bat.
• Brice Turang (2B) — A solid on-base presence hitting second, capable of manufacturing runs.
• Andrew Vaughn (1B) — The heart-of-the-order threat who provides right-handed pop from the three-hole.
• William Contreras (C) — A former Cub who always seems to find a way to make Chicago pay. Count on him to be motivated in this one.
• Gary Sánchez (DH) — Sánchez brings veteran power from the five-spot. One mistake pitch and the ball is leaving the yard.
• Luis Lara (RF) — A developing piece in Milwaukee's outfield, hitting sixth.
• Joey Ortiz (3B) — A solid defender who can contribute offensively from the seven-hole.
• Garrett Mitchell (CF) — Mitchell's speed in center gives Milwaukee a threat even at the bottom of the order.
• Cooper Pratt (SS) — Hits ninth, but in a lineup like this, the nine-hole is not a freebie.

Keys to the Game for Chicago

Handle Chourio Early

Jackson Chourio is Milwaukee's most dangerous hitter and he leads off, which means Peterson will see him multiple times. Setting the tone against Chourio in his first at-bat matters. Let him get on base repeatedly and the Brewers' offense feeds off that energy all night.

Make Misiorowski Work

The Cubs' lineup needs to grind at-bats and drive up Misiorowski's pitch count. If Chicago can get into the Milwaukee bullpen before the sixth inning, the complexion of this game changes significantly in their favor.

Do Not Let William Contreras Beat You

It is practically a tradition at this point. The former Cub, now hitting cleanup for Milwaukee, has a tendency to come up big in games against Chicago. Peterson and the Cubs' battery need to be thoughtful and varied in their approach to him.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for the Cubs, but Milwaukee at American Family Field is never a gimme. If Peterson pitches into the sixth and keeps Contreras and Sánchez in the ballpark, Chicago has the pieces to steal this one. Cubs 4, Brewers 3 in a tight game decided late. Catch it on Marquee Sports Network or listen on 104.3 The Score.