Chicago Cubs Look to Extend Offensive Tear in Milwaukee
The Chicago Cubs head to Milwaukee on Friday with the wind at their backs — and the most powerful offense in baseball fueling their momentum.
Fresh off a convincing series win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cubs are mashing their way through the 2024 season. Averaging 6.7 runs per game in their last set, the team leads all of Major League Baseball in total runs scored and hits, and they’re near the top in almost every offensive category that matters.
Simply put, if you’re facing the Cubs right now, you better bring more than just a glove.
As they begin a crucial National League Central showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, it’s clear: this series could go a long way in shaping early playoff positioning, momentum — and division bragging rights.
The Power Behind the Wrigley Wonders
At the heart of the Cubs’ high-octane offense is Seiya Suzuki, who’s quickly becoming the toast of Chicago. The Japanese slugger was on full display Thursday, launching two homers in an 8-3 win over Pittsburgh, boosting his season totals to nine home runs and 28 RBIs.
He’s not just a power threat — Suzuki is hitting .295 on the season and boasts a consistent bat that has helped anchor the middle of the lineup.
“He’s just putting really good swings on the baseball,” manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s being rewarded for having good at-bats.”
And it’s not just Suzuki. The Cubs have gotten big contributions from Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Dansby Swanson, forming a lineup that can beat you one through nine.
With a team batting average of .264, on-base percentage of .342, and slugging percentage of .457, this Cubs offense is built for the long haul — and they’ve shown no signs of cooling off.
For those interested in tracking the Cubs’ scoring streaks and player props, head over to the MLB Odds & Scores Hub.
Cubs Starting Ben Brown Looks for a Bounce Back
The Cubs will send Ben Brown (2-2, 6.04 ERA) to the mound for the series opener. The second-year righty is coming off his toughest outing of the season, having allowed six runs on nine hits in just 3 2/3 innings in a loss to the Phillies.
But Brown will take comfort in knowing his best big-league outing came against this very Brewers team. Back on May 28, Brown delivered a historic seven-inning, 10-strikeout no-hit performance against Milwaukee. While the Cubs ultimately won that game in extras, Brown’s electric stuff made headlines.
He’ll look to recapture that magic Friday night at American Family Field.
Get deeper pitching insights with our MLB Expert Betting Guide.
Brewers Reeling After White Sox Beatdown
The Milwaukee Brewers enter Friday licking their wounds after an ugly 8-0 shutout loss to the Chicago White Sox — one of the league’s worst teams. The Brewers managed just two hits and were completely outclassed in every facet.
Despite winning three straight before Thursday’s loss, Milwaukee is once again facing adversity — and injury concerns are piling up.
Key Brewers on the Injured List:
- Garrett Mitchell (oblique)
- Blake Perkins (shin fracture)
- Aaron Ashby (oblique)
- Brandon Woodruff (shoulder)
- Aaron Civale (hamstring)
- Nestor Cortes (elbow)
That’s a huge chunk of the roster — and manager Pat Murphy knows no one’s going to feel sorry for them.
“There’s no mercy in this game,” Murphy said after Thursday’s loss. “Everybody’s going to try to step on your throat.”
Brewers Turn to Quinn Priester to Stop the Bleeding
Milwaukee’s starter for Game 1 will be Quinn Priester (1-0, 3.79 ERA). The 24-year-old right-hander has been solid so far, but is coming off a shaky outing where he gave up five runs over five innings in a no-decision against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Priester’s only career outing against the Cubs came as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. He lasted six innings and gave up four runs in a no-decision.
He’ll need to be sharp against baseball’s best offense if Milwaukee wants to keep this one close.
What’s at Stake in the Series?
This weekend series carries significant weight in the NL Central, where both teams are expected to contend for the top spot deep into the summer.
While it’s still early, division matchups matter — especially for the Cubs, who are riding the momentum of one of their best offensive starts in recent memory.
For the Brewers, it’s an opportunity to prove that injuries and inconsistency won’t define them in 2024. Their pitching depth is being tested, and their offense needs to provide support.
And don’t forget: These teams don’t like each other. Dating back to their epic clashes in recent years, this rivalry is full of drama, emotion, and momentum swings.
Players to Watch
Team | Player | Why They Matter |
---|---|---|
Cubs | Seiya Suzuki | He’s on a power surge and leads the team in homers and batting average |
Cubs | Ben Brown | Has struggled recently but dominated the Brewers in 2023 |
Brewers | William Contreras | Nine-game hit streak and a key source of offense for injury-riddled team |
Brewers | Quinn Priester | Young arm looking to earn his place in the rotation |
Cubs vs. Brewers Prediction
With the Cubs swinging hot bats and the Brewers still reeling from an embarrassing shutout loss, momentum seems to heavily favor the visitors. While Quinn Priester has shown promise, facing the Cubs’ lineup is no easy task — especially with Suzuki, Tucker, and Swanson all in rhythm.
Ben Brown has something to prove, and a bounce-back performance in a familiar park might be exactly what he needs.
Prediction: Cubs 7, Brewers 3

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