Brewers' Braun looks to continue career of success against Cubs

The Milwaukee Brewers' Chris Carter (right) is congratulated by Ryan Braun after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, May 1, 2016, in Milwaukee.

The Chicago Cubs may be leading the National League Central by a healthy 6 1/2 games, but Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun knows a thing or two about beating them.

Braun is one of the league's most effective batters when facing the Cubs, ranking near the top of the league in hits, RBI, HR, BA and OPS.

Ryan Braun vs. Cubs

*Third column indicates rank among active players.

Jonathan Villar is looking to help the Brewers steal their way to a milestone.

The Brewers currently lead the majors in stolen bases with 84, led by the breakout shortstop.

Villar has racked up 34 stolen bases on the season, up from his previous career high of just 18, a mark that he set as a rookie in 2013.

If the Brewers can maintain their current pace it would mark just the fifth time in franchise history that Milwaukee has led the league in stolen bases, and the first time since 2012.

Meanwhile, Brewers slugger Chris Carter is making a bid for his own piece of team history.

Carter leads the Brewers in RBI and home runs, and at his current pace would become just the fourth slugger in franchise history to lead the team in those two categories during a player's first year with the team.

Statistics courtesy of STATS LLC