BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs lead 2-1 in a five-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago has gone 40-24 at home and 72-54 overall. The Cubs have gone 32-10 in games when they did not allow a home run.

Freddy Peralta allowed one hit in six innings for his major league-leading 15th win, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0 on Monday. Milwaukee won for the 15th time in 16 games and extended its NL Central lead to nine over the rival Cubs.

The Cubs defeated the Brewers in Game 1 of the doubleheader 6-4. Owen Caissie hit his first MLB home run and drove in three, and Willi Castro hit a three-run blast for his first Cubs homer. Daniel Palencia recorded his 17th save with a game-ending double play.

The Chicago Cubs have needed a lift. The Cubs started the first game of the Tuesday doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers nine games back in the National League Central. The Cubs were four up on Cincinnati, who is looking to grab one of the final three wildcard spots.

Get the latest Brewers vs. Cubs predictions ahead of Game 2 of their Tuesday doubleheader. Free MLB picks for August 19.

Announcers: Lane Grindle and Josh Maurer will call the games on the Brewers Radio Network. Yes, for all three games, the Brewers broadcast is available on the Sirius XM app. The Cubs broadcast is available on Channel 185 on Aug. 19-20 and Channel 178 on Aug. 21.

Preview the Aug. 19 matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Chicago Cubs have been hit with a harsh dose of reality over the last few weeks, watching their lead disappear in the National League Central while the Milw