The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers were supposed to be the favorites to win the National League Central this season, but both teams are now chasing the first-place Cardinals. Milwaukee won the series opener on Friday night by a score of 3-2 and knocked the Cubs out of a first-place tie with St. Louis. These two teams have built up a nice rivalry in recent seasons, and this should be an excellent game on Saturday night.
The Cubs fell to 55-48 on the season with the loss on Friday night, and are just 19-30 away from home. Chicago now trails rival St. Louis by one game in the NL Central standings. Milwaukee improved their record to 55-50 with the series-opening win to stay within two games of the Cardinals. The Brewers have done plenty of damage at home this season and have a 32-23 record at Miller Park. Milwaukee is -115 over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night.
Cubs Can Hit the Long Ball
The Chicago Cubs are hitting home runs like crazy this season, but that’s about all they are doing right. David Bote hit a two-run home run in the series opener, but the Cubs managed just four hits. Ian Happ was recalled from Triple-A in hopes of sparking the offense, but the Cubs need to figure things out in a hurry.
Jon Lester will be on the mound for the Cubs in game two of the series, and he pitched well against the Brewers in an earlier start this season. Lester went 6 2/3 innings while giving up nine hits but zero earned runs in earning a victory. The Cubs have been getting solid starts from their rotation of late and should be in for another one on Saturday night. Lester is 9-6 with a 3.87 earned run average in 20 appearances, 19 starts, this season.
Anderson Takes Ball For Brewers
The Brewers will hand the ball to Chase Anderson on Saturday night, and he has pitched well against the Cubs in his career. Anderson has bounced between the bullpen and rotation this season but has performed well in both roles. The right-hander is 5-2 with a 3.90 earned run average this season and is one of the few healthy arms remaining for the Brewers. Milwaukee will need a solid start from Anderson in this game to give the bullpen some rest.
Christian Yelich leads the Brewers in almost every offensive category this season and might be the National League MVP for the second straight season. Mike Moustakas has chipped in with 26 long balls, but the Brewers need to find a way to get more men on base.
Milwaukee Wins Second Straight
The Cubs just haven’t been a good road team all season long, and that’s not going to change in Miller Park. Milwaukee has been getting just enough starting pitching to stay in the race, and their offense is capable of some big games. Bet the Milwaukee Brewers -115 over the Chicago Cubs in game two of the series.
