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.

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.

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.

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.

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.