The Brewers, at 92-59, stand alone atop the National League Central. However, in Milwaukee’s quest to earn home-field advantage this postseason, every game counts. The Brew Crew will hope to take care of business today at home against the Angels. Can Los Angeles pull off an upset against baseball’s best team? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s meeting between the Los Angeles Angels and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee is favored (-240) over Los Angeles, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Angels vs. Brewers prediction, preview
If the Brewers have any dreams of a World Series run, they’ll need Brandon Woodruff at his best. The oft-injured hurler has been one of the National League’s best starters in recent years. However, his health is precarious at best. Since being activated off of the injured list, the former All-Star has taken the mound 11 different times. During that stretch, Woodruff has posted a 3.32 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 74 strikeouts.
With that being said, Milwaukee’s veteran arm has looked slightly off in recent weeks. During his previous five outings, Woodruff has surrendered 13 earned runs (4.81 ERA). If not for two scoreless games vs. the Pirates, those numbers would look a lot worse. The Angels aren’t world-beaters, but this lineup shouldn’t be slept on. Los Angeles has launched 209 homers this season, fifth-most in the league. Still, the Halos are averaging only 4.25 runs per game on the road, baseball’s seventh-lowest mark. The loss of do-it-all shortstop Zach Neto (hand) certainly doesn’t help.
Clearly, it’s difficult to trust the Angels at the plate. The same can be said for tonight’s starter, Jose Soriano. The right-hander isn’t a scrub, but he’s inconsistent to say the least. That’s due in part to a lack of success at home. When pitching at Angel Stadium, the third-year pro has recorded a dismal 5.90 ERA. On the road? Just 2.66. Surprisingly, the Brewers average less runs at American Family Field than they do away from home. This is still an elite offense regardless of where they play, but it’s definitely worth mentioning.
Angels vs. Brewers pick, best bet
Best Bet: Angels +1.5 (-106)
If not for the Pirates, Woodruff’s season-long stats might look far worse. The righty is still a force, but it’s not absurd to think he could cough up a few homers. On the flip side, Soriano has looked far more comfortable away from Los Angeles. At nearly even money, I’m willing to take a chance on the Angels tonight.
