Michael Busch homered on the game's first pitch, Moisés Ballesteros hit a bases-clearing double and the Chicago Cubs trounced the Milwaukee Brewers 10-3 on Wednesday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Andrew Vaughn, Sal Frelick and Christian Yelich homered and the Milwaukee Brewers overcame a shaky start from All-Star rookie Jacob Misiorowski to beat the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Monday night and take sole possession of first place in the NL Central.

When the Brewers and Cubs played at the beginning of May, the Cubs were clearly the better team as they easily won the first two games of the series before the Brewers avoided a sweep by salvaging the third game.

The Chicago Cubs’ win Wednesday evened the season series against the Milwaukee Brewers. It sets up a huge five-game series at Wrigley Field in August.

In the midst of a heavyweight battle for first place in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs are still scouring the landscape for help before Thursday's MLB trade deadline. On their wish list: two starters,

The Chicago Cubs have only two days remaining to address their biggest weakness. In comparison to the other National League contenders, the Cubs have a shaky starting rotation. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga are the only two current pitchers Chicago should feel confident starting in a playoff game,

The Chicago Cubs have acquired Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. Chicago, which picked up a win in the final game of the three-game series at Milwaukee, heads into Thursday just a single game behind the Brewers in the National League Central standings.

The Cubs have reached a deal to acquire right-hander Michael Soroka from the Nationals in exchange for two prospects, according to multiple reports Wednesday evening.

Right-hander Freddy Peralta (12-4, 2.81) starts for the Brewers, while left-hander Shota Imanaga (7-4, 3.12) counters for the Cubs. Jackson Chourio, who suffered a hamstring cramp and had to be removed from Tuesday's game, is out.

BOTTOM LINE: The Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs trying to continue a three-game home winning streak. Milwaukee has a 64-43 record overall and a 36-19 record in home games. The Brewers have a 20-13 record in games decided by one run.

The Chicago Cubs announced the death of Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg on Monday night. Sandberg was 65 years old.

On Monday, the Chicago community lost one of its all-time great sports icons. Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg has died at the age of 65, according to the franchise. WGN's Dana Rebik caught up with those who appeared outside Wrigley Field Tuesday to pay respects to one of Chicago's greatest athletes.