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Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers August 19th 2025
The Milwaukee Brewers are set to play against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Brewers hold a strong record of 78-45 and are first in the NL Central. They have been on a hot streak, winning 9 of their last 10 games, although they did lose their last game. Pat Murphy manages the team, and they will rely on Brandon Woodruff, who has an impressive ERA of 2.06, to start on the mound.
The Cubs, with a record of 70-53, are second in the division, trailing the Brewers by eight games. They come into this game with a two-game winning streak. Managed by Craig Counsell, the Cubs will have Jameson Taillon as their starting pitcher. His season ERA is 4.44. The game will be played under overcast clouds with a light breeze, making for an interesting evening at Wrigley Field. Fans can catch the action on MARQ at 8:05 PM.
Brewers vs Cubs Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs
- Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Betting Odds: Brewers Moneyline -118, Cubs Moneyline -102
The Brewers Can Win If…
The Milwaukee Brewers recently secured a 7-0 win against the Chicago Cubs. Freddy Peralta led the way with six strong innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. Caleb Durbin and Brice Turang each hit home runs, contributing to the team’s nine total hits.
The Brewers have been consistent with their batting performance this season. They hold the second rank in batting average and on-base percentage with .259 and .331, respectively. Their ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities makes them a tough opponent.
Brandon Woodruff will start for the Brewers with an impressive ERA of 2.06. His control on the mound is evident with a WHIP of 0.74. With Woodruff’s pitching and the team’s strong hitting, the Brewers have a solid chance to win this game.
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs are looking to bounce back after a 7-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. In that game, Seiya Suzuki and Owen Caissie were the only Cubs to get hits. Starting pitcher Cade Horton struggled, allowing one run in just over two innings.
Despite the recent loss, the Cubs have shown they can win games. They rank 5th in slugging percentage and 6th in home runs this season. Their ability to hit for power gives them a chance to score runs quickly.
Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs, bringing a 7-6 record and a 4.44 ERA. The Cubs’ lineup includes powerful hitters like Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch. With their strong batting stats, the Cubs have the tools to secure a win.
The Lean
The Brewers are favored on the moneyline at -118, while the Cubs are at -102. Given the Brewers’ strong pitching with a 3.56 ERA, ranked 2nd, they have an edge over the Cubs’ 3.84 ERA. My model projects the Brewers to win with a score of 4-3. Therefore, the recommendation is to pick the Brewers to win straight up.
The total for the game is set at 7.0, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. The Brewers’ and Cubs’ combined offensive stats suggest a lower-scoring game. My model projects a total of 7 runs, matching the line. However, given the strong pitching, the recommendation is to take the under 7.0.
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MLB Data & Insights
Milwaukee Keeps Rolling as Cubs Try to Respond
The Milwaukee Brewers were all business in Monday’s 7-0 win over the Chicago Cubs, which marked their 15th victory in 16 games. But Mother Nature had other plans for the doubleheader — game two was rained out and will now be played Tuesday as part of a day-night doubleheader.
Chicago’s two-game win streak came to a halt, and manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the challenge: “The Brewers have played brilliantly. Credit to them — it’s made our position in the division kind of unfortunate.” The Cubs sit nine games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central, despite playing competitive baseball.
Woodruff Ready to Reclaim His Routine
Brandon Woodruff (4-0, 2.06 ERA) has been slowly ramping up since returning from shoulder surgery that kept him sidelined for over a year. He’s looked sharp in all seven starts this season, and the Brewers have won every single one. Whether he starts Game 1 or 2 Tuesday, he’ll be on five days of rest, after pitching on a shorter timeline last week.
Woodruff was pulled after four shutout innings and just 65 pitches in his last start against the Pirates. Manager Pat Murphy explained it was a controlled outing due to the tighter turnaround. Woodruff agreed, saying it’s all part of understanding his new workload and limits.
Brandon Woodruff – 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Stat Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 7 |
| Record | 4-0 |
| ERA | 2.06 |
| Team Record in Starts | 7-0 |
| Career vs Cubs | 2-2 (3.13 ERA in 18 games) |
Cubs to Start Boyd and Taillon in Key Division Battle
The Cubs will open the doubleheader with left-hander Matthew Boyd (11-6, 2.46 ERA). While he’s 0-3 in his last four outings, three of those were quality starts. His lone poor performance came against Milwaukee on July 28, when he allowed five runs in five innings in an 8-4 loss. Boyd has historically struggled against the Brewers, posting a 9.68 ERA in four career starts.
Jameson Taillon is expected to start Game 2, returning from a right calf strain. He’s been on the IL since June 29. Taillon has a long history against Milwaukee with mixed results — a 5-10 record but a respectable 3.43 ERA in 20 appearances. His lone win against the Brewers this season came with a bumpy 6.30 ERA across two starts.
Cubs Doubleheader Pitchers – Career vs Brewers
| Pitcher | Record | ERA | Starts | 2025 Record vs MIL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Boyd | 1-2 | 9.68 | 4 | 0-1 (5 ER last start) |
| Jameson Taillon | 5-10 | 3.43 | 19 | 1-1 (6.30 ERA) |
Chad Patrick Likely to Start for Brewers in One Game
Milwaukee is expected to recall Chad Patrick (3-7, 3.52 ERA) from Triple-A Nashville for the game Woodruff doesn’t start. Patrick last pitched in the majors on July 5 against the Miami Marlins, giving up two runs in five innings. Since returning to Triple-A, he’s gone 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA.
Patrick faced the Cubs earlier this year on June 17, allowing four runs on six hits in five innings during a 5-3 road loss. The rookie has shown flashes of command and could provide a key bridge to the bullpen.
What’s at Stake in This NL Central Doubleheader?
Milwaukee continues to surge, holding a firm grip atop the division, while the Cubs are desperate to close the gap. A sweep for the Brewers could widen the NL Central gap into double digits. For Chicago, it’s an opportunity to claw back into contention — and to prove they can hang with the hottest team in the league.
For expert analysis, betting breakdowns, and MLB picks for both games, visit the expert MLB guide. You can also explore full stats and schedules for all MLB teams and follow real-time scores and odds.
