Chicago @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2015 ) Chi. Cubs 2, San Francisco 4

San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner attempts to cool down the Chicago hitters when the Giants host the Cubs in the finale of a three-game series. The hero of the 2014 postseason has won four consecutive starts and seven of his last eight.

Bumgarner looks to lead San Francisco to its second straight win over Chicago after the club lost the first five meetings this season. The Giants posted a 4-2 victory on Wednesday to remain 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and move within 6 1/2 of the Cubs for the second wild-card spot. Chicago scored 40 runs during a six-game winning streak before Wednesday's loss, which was only the squad's fifth defeat in 26 games. Cubs rookie slugger Kris Bryant had two hits and two RBIs and is 13-for-30 with four homers and 11 RBIs over the past eight contests.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Dan Haren (8-8, 3.76 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (15-6, 3.02)

Haren has struggled since being acquired from the Marlins and is 1-1 with a 6.05 ERA in four starts with Chicago. He has served up seven homers in 19 1/3 innings with the Cubs and hasn't lasted longer than 5 1/3 frames. Haren is 7-6 with a 3.00 ERA in 20 career appearances (19 starts) against San Francisco and has been roughed up by outfielder Marlon Byrd (14-for-33, three homers and five doubles).

Bumgarner allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings while beating Pittsburgh in his last start after striking out 26 and giving up one run and eight hits in back-to-back complete-game efforts. He has struck out 49 against two walks in 38 2/3 innings over his last five outings. Bumgarner is 5-2 with a 2.54 ERA in nine career starts against the Cubs and has experienced difficulties against middle infielder Starlin Castro (10-for-24).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants SS Brandon Crawford (oblique) missed Wednesday's game and is doubtful for the series finale.

2. Chicago C Miguel Montero was hitless in four at-bats Wednesday to end a five-game hitting streak that included three homers, three doubles and nine RBIs.

3. San Francisco CF Angel Pagan (knee) completed a rehab assignment Wednesday and is expected to be activated for the finale.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Cubs 2..