After surprising the Cubs by winning three of four at Wrigley Field, the Brewers came out lethargic in their last game, losing 6-3 to the Pirates Tuesday night.

Look for better things from the Brewers today. The Pirates are nothing special, a .500 club that is 8-14 in their last 22 games and missing a spark with the realization that it would take a highly unusual set of occurrences for them to make the playoffs.

The Brewers' rebuilding season has gone better than expected. They receive excellent crowd support and have posted a winning record at Miller Park. Milwaukee is 12-7 in its last 19 games. Ryan Braun is having a nice comeback season, several young players have stepped up to have big years and the pitching staff is underrated.

Based on current form and the starting pitching matchup, the Brewers shouldn't be underdogs here.

Pittsburgh is pitching rookie Chad Kuhl, who the Brewers saw late last month. The Brewers are going with Jimmy Nelson, who still may have the highest ceiling of any Milwaukee pitcher. Nelson is off a win over the Cubs where he gave up three runs in six innings. He is 5-2 with a 3.16 ERA in nine lifetime starts versus Pittsburgh.

Tyler Thornburg is rested and one of more underrated closers with a 1.58 ERA. Pirates closer Tony Watson is no Mark Melancon. Pittsburgh took a downgrade at closer when it dealt Melancon.

Starling Marte hasn't played since Sept. 5 because of back spasms. Marte is Pittsburgh's best player given the down season former MVP Andrew McCutchen is having.

The Brewers hold a strong history, too, when hosting the Pirates winning 74 percent of the last 86 games played between the two teams in Milwaukee.

(Editor's note: In addition to this free selection, Stephen Nover has his baseball Game of the Week going today.)