Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Predictions August 18th 2025

Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers August 18th 2025

The Milwaukee Brewers will take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, August 18, 2025. The game will start at 2:20 PM and will be broadcast on MARQ. The Brewers, led by manager Pat Murphy, have a record of 78-45 and sit at the top of the NL Central. They are coming off a loss but have won 9 of their last 10 games.

The Cubs, managed by Craig Counsell, hold a 70-53 record and are second in the division. They have won their last two games and are playing .500 ball over their last 10. The weather forecast for the game is warm with a light breeze and light rain. Freddy Peralta will start for the Brewers, while Cade Horton will take the mound for the Cubs.

Brewers vs Cubs Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs
• Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
• Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
• Betting Odds: Brewers Moneyline +106, Cubs Moneyline -126

The Brewers Can Win If…

The Milwaukee Brewers recently faced the Cincinnati Reds, where they lost 3-2. Jose Quintana pitched well, allowing just one earned run over 6 1/3 innings. William Contreras hit a home run and drove in two runs, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively.

The Brewers have a strong batting lineup, with a team batting average of .259, ranking them second in the league. Their on-base percentage is also second at .331, indicating their ability to get on base. With players like Christian Yelich, who has 25 home runs, the team has the power to score.

Freddy Peralta will start for the Brewers, bringing an ERA of 2.90 and a win-loss record of 14-5. His performance on the mound is vital for the team’s success. The Brewers’ pitching staff ranks third in ERA at 3.59, showing their strength in keeping opponents’ scoring low.

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs are coming off a narrow 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ian Happ led the charge with two hits and an RBI. Javier Assad pitched four innings, allowing one earned run, which set the stage for the Cubs’ bullpen to secure the win.

The Cubs have shown strong hitting stats this season. They rank 5th in slugging percentage at .431 and have hit 170 home runs, also ranking 5th. Their ability to hit for power can be a key factor in their upcoming game.

Cade Horton will be on the mound for the Cubs with a solid ERA of 3.07. His performance can provide stability against the Brewers. With players like Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch contributing offensively, the Cubs have a balanced team ready to win.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -126, while the Brewers are at +106. The Cubs have a stronger batting average and on-base percentage, ranking second in both categories. The Cubs’ pitching also ranks higher in earned run average. My model projects the Cubs to win 5-4, making them the pick for the moneyline.

The total for the game is set at 8.5. The Brewers have a slightly weaker pitching staff, with a higher earned run average and more home runs given up. Both teams have potent offenses, with the Cubs having a higher slugging percentage. My model projects a total score of 9, so the recommendation is to take the over at 8.5.

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Series Snapshot

When these teams last met on July 30, the Cubs pulled within a game of first place. Since then, Milwaukee ripped off a 14-game winning streak before finally falling in extras on Sunday, while Chicago went 7–8 and slipped eight games back. The series opens at Wrigley with a split doubleheader, giving both clubs outsized leverage in a short window. For broader context on matchups around the league, browse the full slate of MLB previews at the ScoresAndStats MLB previews hub.

Why This Five-Game Set Matters

A five-gamer can swing a division quickly. A dominant showing by the Cubs would meaningfully trim the gap; a strong response from the Brewers could put the race on ice. You can follow every final and box score as the series unfolds on the ScoresAndStats MLB game results page.

Game 1 Pitching Matchup: Freddy Peralta vs. Cade Horton

Milwaukee turns to ace Freddy Peralta (14–5, 2.90), who is 8–3 with a 3.42 ERA across 21 career appearances (16 starts) against the Cubs, though he took the loss in the July 30 meeting. With recent bullpen usage piling up, the Brewers will value length from Peralta in the matinee. Chicago counters with rookie Cade Horton (7–3, 3.07), making his first career start against Milwaukee. For angles on how to attack this matchup from a wagering perspective, consult the ScoresAndStats MLB Expert Betting Guide.

Recent Form and Trends

During their 14-game heater, the Brewers outscored opponents 119–52, posted at least seven runs in 10 of the 14, and notched eight wins by three or more. Chicago, meanwhile, just captured consecutive wins for the first time since early August and will try to stretch that run against the division leaders. If you’re lining up selections across this series and the wider board, compare edges on the ScoresAndStats MLB picks page.

Keys for Each Team

Chicago’s path starts with run prevention and clean defense behind Horton, then timely hitting against a Brewers bullpen that has been heavily taxed. Milwaukee’s blueprint is familiar: attack early counts, build pressure in the first three innings, and let their depth carry the middle frames. To see which cappers are tracking these dynamics best, check the ScoresAndStats Best Handicappers Leaderboard.

X-Factors and What to Watch

Doubleheader management could decide a game: pinch-hit timing, matchup relievers reserved for the nightcap, and how aggressively each manager chases the opener versus saving bullets. Rookie composure will be under the microscope for Horton, while the Brewers’ late-inning execution draws attention after Sunday’s extra-inning loss. If you’re ready to commit to specific cards once lineups post, you can secure selections through ScoresAndStats Buy Picks.

Bottom Line

The Brewers arrive with the league’s hottest recent run, but a five-game set at Wrigley offers the Cubs a rare, concentrated shot at course correction. With Freddy Peralta setting the tone against a talented rookie in Cade Horton and four more to follow, this is a genuine standings inflection point.