Chicago @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 8, Philadelphia 9

The Philadelphia Phillies will try to wrap up their first series win since the All-Star break when they shoot for a second consecutive victory over the visiting Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Neither team has been accustomed to winning recently as Philadelphia's 9-8 triumph in the opener was only its second victory in its last 15 games and the Cubs have lost five straight and eight of nine. The Phillies have not lost a series to the Cubs since 2010.

A pair of left-handers who have pitched better than their records indicate will take the mound as All-Star Travis Wood gets the nod for Chicago opposite veteran Cole Hamels. Wood and Hamels will try to quiet offenses that broke out of recent slumps Tuesday with the teams combining for 17 runs and 25 hits. The Phillies got a boost from the return of All-Star outfielder Domonic Brown on Tuesday after being on the disabled list since July 23 with a concussion, and rookie Darin Ruf continues to swing a hot bat.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Travis Wood (7-8, 3.05 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cole Hamels (4-13, 3.87)

Wood had his shortest outing of the year last time out, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings and tying a career high with five walks in a loss to the Dodgers. It was only the fourth time in 22 outings this season the 26-year-old failed to record a quality start. Wood has faced the Phillies twice, including a no-decision in 2010 when he allowed one hit in nine shutout innings of a 1-0 loss in 11 innings while pitching for Cincinnati.

Hamels has been the epitome of tough luck in 2013 and that continued when he shut out the Giants for eight innings Thursday only to see Jonathan Papelbon blow the lead in the ninth. The 29-year-old has five quality starts in his last six outings and boasts a 2.09 ERA over that span. Hamels is 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA in six starts against the Cubs, but he hasn't faced them since 2010.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ruf has reached base safely in 33 consecutive games dating to last season - every game he has started in the majors.

2. Cubs RF Nate Schierholtz, who rarely starts against left-handers, is 5-for-10 with two doubles against Hamels.

3. Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel is two wins shy of 1,000 in his career. Only 58 managers have won 1,000 or more games in the majors, including seven active skippers.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 5