Wrigley Field hosts an electric showdown on Wednesday as the Milwaukee Brewers (39-35) look to bounce back from a 5–3 loss to the Cubs in the series opener. The Cubs (45–28) are cruising, having won 4 of their last 5, including a dominant performance on Tuesday night. Jameson Taillon, on a six-start quality streak, will toe the rubber for the Cubs, while Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski, the flamethrowing rookie, makes just his second MLB start. The Brewers are trying to claw back from a 7.5-game deficit in the NL Central. This contest is set to be a pivotal one for both teams. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Wednesday night baseball game between the Cubs and the Brewers.
And, hey—did you know the last time the Cubs got their 45th win on June 17th, it was in 2016, when they won the World Series? Just sayin’.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Cubs vs. Brewers prediction, preview
The Cubs’ offense has been lethal, led by key contributors like Kyle Tucker, who silenced any lingering concerns about a perma-rut with a 3-for-4 performance and two doubles in the opener. Tucker’s resurgence is critical, as he’s now up to a .383 wOBA and .904 OPS against right-handed pitchers this season. His 150 wRC+ against righties ranks in the top 20 of all hitters this season, making him an elite force against Misiorowski’s fastball-heavy approach.
Seiya Suzuki continues to impress with his consistent power, while Pete Crow-Armstrong, fresh off a memorable, scoreboard-denting performance only he could make happen in four minutes, has been an absolute not-so-secret-anymore weapon in the lineup. Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon’s recent form — a 1.91 ERA and 0.79 WHIP over his last five starts — sets the Cubs up for success on the mound. Taillon’s 27.8% K-rate over that stretch reflects his ability to dominate when needed, and his control is sharp with a 5.3% walk rate during this hot streak.
Milwaukee’s offense, however, remains a major concern. Despite boasting capable players like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, they rank just 25th in the league with 66 home runs, and their .237 batting average underscores their struggles at the plate. The Brewers have a bottom-five team OPS of .684, and their 2.7% home run rate ranks 27th in MLB, a major issue in Wrigley’s favorable hitting conditions. Their inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position (RISP) is another glaring issue, as they’ve been one of the worst teams in the league in that department this season.
Misiorowski’s fastball velocity (topping 102 mph) has grabbed attention, but facing a potent Cubs lineup in just his second start presents a daunting challenge. His 4.92 xFIP in his debut suggests a regression could be imminent, especially against a Cubs offense that ranks second in MLB in wOBA (.340). His struggles with control in his debut, coupled with the Brewers’ lack of offensive depth, spell trouble for Milwaukee in this one.
Brewers vs. Cubs pick, best bet
The Cubs, with their stellar pitching and high-powered lineup, have been dominant at Wrigley, going 14-3 in home games since mid-May. With Taillon on the mound and a bullpen that has allowed just one run in the last 11 innings, the Cubs are primed for another victory.
The Cubs’ bullpen has posted a 2.20 ERA in June, and their 4.02 FIP ranks 8th in MLB, showing they can sustain success even if Taillon exits early. Milwaukee’s pitching depth, already tested by injuries to key starters, will be further stretched if Misiorowski falters early. Factor in the Cubs’ offensive explosion — they’re averaging 5.35 runs per game, ranking second in MLB — and it’s clear they hold the advantage.
For the Brewers to pull off an upset, Misiorowski will need to exceed expectations, and the offense will have to find a way to exploit Taillon’s fly-ball tendencies. However, with the Cubs boasting a 9-1 record at home against Milwaukee and Taillon on a roll, the Brewers’ chances are slim.
Weather Note: With the wind blowing out to right field at Wrigley, the conditions are tailor-made for power hitters, which favors the Cubs’ explosive lineup. This weather setup will only amplify the Cubs’ offensive advantage, especially against a rookie like Misiorowski who may struggle with the ball flight in these conditions.
Best bet: Chicago Cubs (-160) vs. Milwaukee Brewers
2016 magic in the air at Wrigley—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
