Schedule Breakdown: August

August 1-4 @Pittsburgh Pirates
The Cubs will start the final two months at PNC Park to play the Pirates. The two teams will play four straight night games, all of which start at 6:05. The Cubbies must get this month start with a series win against the lowly Bucs.

August 5-7 VS Cincinnati Reds
A stretch of six straight home games starts with a weekend set with the defending NL Central champions. All three games against the Reds are afternoon games, with 1:20 starts on Friday and Sunday and a TBD start on Saturday.

August 8-10 VS Washington Nationals
The Nationals, who continue to try to build a solid franchise, will come to Wrigley for three straight night games. All of the games start at 7:05. The Nats are expected to make improvement again this season with the addition of Jayson Werth this winter.

August 12-14 @Atlanta Braves
This could be a big series with teams that are looking to improve on their 2010 marks. Both clubs will be under new managers after their legendary skippers retired last season. The last time the Cubs and Braves met Piniella announced that it would be the last game of his career. The Cubbies struggled against the Braves a year ago including blowout losses on Opening Day and in Lou's last game.

August 15-17 @Houston Astros
The Cubs will go back to Houston for a mid-August set agains the 'Stos. The first two games of the series will be under the lights with a 1:05 start on Wednesday. This set concludes a six game trip.

August 19-21 VS St. Louis Cardinals
The Cubs and Cardinals start a three game series at Wrigley Field Friday through Saturday. Quade's squad has an off day on Thursday to rest up for the series. Friday's game starts at 1:20, Saturday is a 3:10 FOX contest and Sunday's game could end up on ESPN Sunday night game.

August 22-25 VS Atlanta Braves
The Braves and Cubs play all seven games against one another during the month of August. Atlanta will visit Chicago for the first time during Mike Quade's tenure with the team. Thursday's series finale will start at 1:20 after three night games start the set.

August 26-28 @Milwaukee Brewers
The Cubs and Crew meet once again in a battle of two teams under new management. The Brewers hired former Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke as their manager this winter. There is potential for a division contending team this season.

August 29-31 @San Francisco Giants
The Cubs go to the Bay Area for a three game date with the Giants to conclude the month. The first two games start at 9:15 locally, and then Wednesday's game starts at 2:45. The Boys in Blue will look to come out 2-1 during this brief West Coast visit.