NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Cubs Aim to Gain Ground in Crucial 5-Game Set with Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs square off in a rare five-game series beginning Monday with a day-night doubleheader at Wrigley Field.
Milwaukee (78-45) sits atop the NL Central, riding the momentum of a franchise-record 14-game winning streak that ended Sunday in extra innings against Cincinnati. The Brewers have outscored opponents 119-52 over their past 15 games and continue to play elite baseball.
See What the Pros Are Betting
Trust the data
Chicago (70-53) trails Milwaukee by eight games and knows this series could define its season. The Cubs just earned back-to-back wins over Pittsburgh but have struggled with consistency since the All-Star break.
Monday’s opener features a heavyweight pitching matchup: Freddy Peralta (14-5, 2.90 ERA) for the Brewers against rookie Cade Horton (7-3, 3.07 ERA) for the Cubs.
Match Information
- Sport: Baseball (MLB)
- Teams: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
- Start Time: 2:20 PM ET (Game 1)
- Broadcast: MARQ / Bally Sports Wisconsin
- Weather: Warm, light breeze, chance of light rain
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brewers Moneyline | +106 |
| Cubs Moneyline | -126 |
| Runline / Total | O/U 8.5 |
The Brewers Can Win If…
Milwaukee continues to hit like they did during their 14-game streak. The Brewers boast the 2nd-best team batting average (.259) and .331 OBP, with Christian Yelich (25 HR, 82 RBIs) and William Contreras leading the charge.
On the mound, Freddy Peralta is the ace the Brewers need. He owns a 2.90 ERA and has been dominant most of the season, though he did take the loss in his last start against the Cubs. If Peralta keeps the ball in the park, Milwaukee’s offense is more than capable of doing the rest.
The Cubs Can Win If…
Cade Horton holds his own against Milwaukee’s lineup. The rookie right-hander (3.07 ERA) has shown poise beyond his years but will be tested against one of the hottest offenses in baseball.
Chicago’s power bats must deliver. The Cubs rank 5th in MLB with 170 HR and 5th in slugging percentage (.431). With Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch both producing consistently, plus Ian Happ heating up, the Cubs have the firepower to challenge Milwaukee.
If Horton can limit damage and hand things over to Chicago’s strong bullpen, the Cubs have a chance to chip away at the Brewers’ division lead.
Key Stats Comparison
| Category | Brewers (78-45) | Cubs (70-53) |
|---|---|---|
| Last 10 Games | 9-1 | 5-5 |
| Team Batting Avg | .259 (2nd MLB) | .248 (11th MLB) |
| Team OBP | .331 (2nd MLB) | .321 (6th MLB) |
| Team Slugging % | .419 (9th MLB) | .431 (5th MLB) |
| Team ERA | 3.59 (3rd MLB) | 3.71 (6th MLB) |
The Lean
Oddsmakers favor the Cubs at -126, but Milwaukee’s recent form and Peralta’s dominance make this closer to a coin flip. Chicago has home-field advantage and a hot bullpen, but the Brewers’ balance of elite pitching and red-hot hitting gives them strong upset potential.
Model Projection: Brewers 5, Cubs 4
- Pick: Brewers (+106)
- Total Lean: Over 8.5
Get full MLB scores, betting trends, and expert picks daily at the ScoresAndStats MLB page.
