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The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers opened their four-game series with the Cubs losing their fifth-straight game 5-1. The Cubs' deficit in the National League Central continues to grow, as the Brewers are now 4.5 games up on their division rivals. The Cubs have another division rival to worry about, with the Cardinals now just a game back from taking over the second spot. Their recent woes have also gotten the Pirates and Reds back in the picture, as the fifth-place Reds are just three games behind the Cubs. It is time to continue our MLB odds series with a Cubs-Brewers prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.
The Cubs get their new phenom back on the mound after giving him a break the last time through the rotation. Shota Imanaga has been everything the Cubs could've wanted, owning a 5-0 record and 0.84 ERA through his first nine starts. Imanaga started the season with three scoreless outings and has three zero-earned run games out of his last four. His recent run has seen him allow two earned runs over 26 innings.
Bryse Wilson has been performing well despite an inability to maintain his control at times. Wilson hasn't been able to make it far with this control, as his pitch count has gotten out of hand early in games. Wilson hasn't gone over two earned runs allowed in a start yet this season, owning a 2.86 ERA and 3-1 record. The Brewers started the season by winning four of Wilson's first five starts, and after a three-game losing streak has won two in a row.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Cubs-Brewers Odds
Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+126)
Moneyline: -134
Milwaukee Brewers: +1.5 (-152)
Moneyline: +114
Over: 7.5 (-112)
Under: 7.5 (-108)
How to Watch Cubs vs. Brewers
Time: 7:40 PM ET/4:40 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports Network, Marquee Sports Network
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Cubs Will Cover The Spread/Win
It's hard to bet against Imanaga, even though the Cubs have one of the league's worst offenses over their last ten games. Imanaga will need another stellar outing to put the Cubs in a position to win, and he may be the only pitcher you can rely on to pitch a shutout into the later innings.
Why The Brewers Will Cover The Spread/Win
Bryse Wilson is capable of going toe-to-toe with Shota Imanaga. Wilson allowed two or fewer earned runs in each appearance this season. The interesting matchup is when both starters leave the game, as the Brewers bullpen have a 2.37 ERA over their last three games. The Cubs have been much worse, owning a 4.95 ERA over their past three.
The Brewers haven't been much better than the Cubs on offense, but they averaged 1.4 runs/nine over their last ten. The Cubs have a brutal .177 batting average and .251 on-base percentage over that span, which should help out Wilson and his high walk totals.
Final Cubs-Brewers Prediction & Pick
The Cubs' offense has been so bad that the dominance of Shoto Imanaga may not be enough to get them the win in this game. Imanaga will help to keep the game close, but the Cubs don't have enough firepower to extend the lead. Once Imanaga leaves the game, the Brewers have a massive advantage with the bullpen. The Cubs may scare you and have the lead after the sixth or seventh inning. However, the Brewers will find a way to build a comeback against their relievers. Take the Brewers to win this game and accelerate the Cubs' freefall down the National League Central standings.
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Final Cubs-Brewers Prediction & Pick: Brewers ML (+114)
