Who doesn’t love a division battle in the MLB playoffs? The two powers in the NL Central this season, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, were fated to show down in the postseason. Now the two meet in the NLDS, and the Brewers are in thorough control after two games.
The Cubs open as -123 moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Brewers are priced as +102 underdogs, while the total is set at 6.5 runs. Let’s get into my prediction and pick for Game 3 between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Brewers vs. Cubs prediction
It’s up to Jameson Taillon to keep Chicago’s season alive. The tall right-hander threw four scoreless innings in a decisive win over the Padres in Game 3 of the Wild Card series, so at least there’s a track record of success. But it’s a stiff burden for the former top prospect.
He has had success against these Brewers hitters. As a group, they collectively have a .669 OPS against Taillon. But some of their key hitters, like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, have some ownage over him. How he deals with the top of the order will dictate the game.
It’s a different story for the Cubs against Quinn Priester. Chicago’s hitters are batting .299 with a .905 OPS against Priester, and tuned him up for 10 earned runs over 14 innings in three starts this season. The Cubs have been on an incredible slump; if they can’t break it against Priester, there’s little hope for them.
Brewers vs. Cubs prediction
It’s about time that these Cubs bats get it together. The stakes couldn’t be clearer: if they can’t put together some quality at-bats, their season is going to end at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.
I think Taillon can put together enough to give their bats a chance. Priester has been strong, but too many Cubs hitters have his number. They’ll extend the series for at least one more game.
