Game Details
- Time: 2:20 PM CT (Game 1 of a doubleheader)
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Broadcast: MLBN, Marquee Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin
Team Form & Storylines
Milwaukee Brewers
- Record: 79–45 (1st in NL Central)
- Last 10 Games: 9–1
- Streak: W1
- Recent Highlight: 7–0 win over Cubs in Game 1 of the series
The Brewers are the hottest team in baseball, riding an 18–2 stretch over their last 20 games. They’ve dominated the Cubs in recent meetings, winning five of the last six. Freddy Peralta was lights-out in Monday’s opener, tossing six innings of one-hit ball. Milwaukee’s offense continues to thrive with contributions from Brice Turang, Caleb Durbin, and William Contreras, while their pitching depth remains elite despite injuries.
Chicago Cubs
- Record: 70–54 (2nd in NL Central, 9 GB)
- Last 10 Games: 4–6
- Streak: L1
- Injury Report:
- Jameson Taillon (activated for Game 2)
- Miguel Amaya, Michael Soroka, Justin Steele all remain sidelined
The Cubs are in a tight race for a Wild Card spot and need a bounce-back performance. Matthew Boyd gets the start in Game 1, sporting a 2.46 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, though his 3.82 xFIP suggests regression may be coming. Offensively, Michael Busch is due for a breakout, and rookie Owen Caissie earned a standing ovation for his first MLB hit on Monday.
Probable Starters
- Brewers: Chad Patrick (RHP) – 3.36 ERA in Triple-A, returning to the majors
- Cubs: Matthew Boyd (LHP) – All-Star, 126 strikeouts this season
Key Matchups
| Player | Team | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| William Contreras | Brewers | 6 RBIs in last 9 games |
| Brice Turang | Brewers | HR vs. Cubs on Monday |
| Michael Busch | Cubs | .386 wOBA vs. RHP, in slump |
| Owen Caissie | Cubs | Rookie, first MLB hit Monday |
Game 1 Odds
Milwaukee Brewers 7
Chicago Cubs – 144
Game 2 Odds
Milwaukee Brewers – 115
Chicago Cubs 7
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, August 18, 2025
