The Milwaukee Brewers have moved up in the National League Central race with a pair of victories over the Chicago Cubs in recent days, and can edge even closer with a victory on Wednesday. The Cubs have been atop the division for some time but Milwaukee is making them sweat with the recent success.
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Chicago can get some breathing room with a victory in this game so it is a crucial matchup. The Brewers are also pushing for the top wild card spot so there is plenty on the line down the stretch. Milwaukee is at home in this matchup and the starting pitching duel is a good one so the odds don’t figure to favor either team by too much. The race for October is at full tilt and all eyes will be in Milwaukee for this N.L. Central showdown.
The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers will face off on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 at 8:10 p.m. ET at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Vegas Odds Analysis
The Cubs are 81-57 on the season, which is the best record in the National League. They have gone 37-33 away from home and have a run-differential of plus-113. Chicago seems to be one of the top choices for the World Series out of the N.L. but needs to hold on to the top seed.
The Brewers are in second place in the division but also have the second-best record in the National League with a mark of 79-61. They have won three straight games to close to within three of the Cubs in the standings. Milwaukee is 42-26 at home and would love to sweep this three-game set with another win.
Pitchers Duel – Quintana vs Chacin
Chicago is projected to send Jose Quintana to the hill. He is 11-9 on the season with a 4.21 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Quintana is in the midst of a down year, as he has been one of the better starting pitchers in the major leagues in the past. Quintana has particularly run into problems the third time through the order so don’t be surprised if he is pulled after five or six innings in this one. Quintana has pitched well in his last three starts, allowing only four combined runs in 16 total innings.
The Brewers are expected to counter with Jhoulys Chacin. He is 14-5 with a 3.53 ERA. Chacin doesn’t have great peripheral stats but it’s hard arguing with the results. He has been particularly effective recently. Chacin has only given up four runs in his past four starts combined.
Last Meeting
The Brewers opened up this series with a 4-3 victory. Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant tried to send the game into extra innings by turning a third to first double play, but his throw was not in time to get Christian Yelich, giving the Brewers a walkoff win.
Milwaukee dominated on Tuesday, cruising to an 11-1 victory. Wade Miley was very good, allowing only one run in six innings of work. The Brewers led 3-1 after five innings and then poured it on late, scoring three runs in the sixth, three in the seventh and two more in the eighth to run away for the victory.
Cubs vs Mets – Who To Bet On
If the Cubs won this series, they would have been in great shape to cruise to the National League Central title. Instead, Milwaukee has pulled closer, and can really make things interesting with another win. Chicago is the better team but the Brewers are hot and would love to surprise many by winning the division.
The Cubs know what is on the line in this one. Quintana has been inconsistent on the year but look for him to throw a gem to give Chicago a much-needed win.
MLB Pick: Cubs 4, Brewers 3
Check out the latest MLB betting odds for today.
