At 79-45, baseball’s best record belongs to none other than the Brewers. Milwaukee’s surge towards the top of the standings has taken the league by surprise. However, there are multiple National League clubs with dreams of reaching the World Series. That includes the 70-win Cubs, currently second in the NL Central. Which of these two rivals will come out on top in Game 2 tonight? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s battle between the Brewers and the Cubs.
The Brewers are favorites (-115) over the Cubs, with the over/under set at 6.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Brewers vs. Cubs prediction, preview
On paper, the advantage on the mound tonight goes towards Milwaukee. Making his seventh start of the season is Brandon Woodruff. The two-time All-Star has been stellar during his shortened 2025 campaign. Over 39.1 innings of work, the righty has notched a 2.06 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 49 strikeouts. Woodruff’s most recent outing was a brief four-inning, scoreless performance vs. the Pirates last week.
Even the best arms need to be wary against this dangerous Cubs offense. The North Siders are averaging 4.95 runs per game this season, baseball’s fifth-best mark. However, success at the plate has been hard to come by recently. Since August 1st, Chicago has scored a league-worst 44 total runs. The Cubs have scored more than four runs only once over their last ten appearances.
Barring an offensive outburst, a Chicago win depends on Jameson Taillon. At this point in his career, the veteran offers up steady (albeit dull) consistency. Over 95.1 innings pitched, he’s accounted for a 4.44 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 74 strikeouts. When the right-hander last faced Milwuakee on June 19th, he surrendered five runs in four innings.
It’s worth mentioning that the Brewers will be without Jackson Chourio (hamstring) tonight. Still, the club ranks first in baseball with 75 runs scored over their last ten games. Taillon has looked shaky as of late, surrendering 15 earned runs over his previous 12.2 innings (10.66 ERA). That doesn’t bode well entering tonight’s matchup at Wrigley Field.
Brewers vs. Cubs pick, best bet
Best Bet: Brewers ML (-115)
Woodruff has yet to allow more than two earned runs in any start this season. That alone is bad news for a struggling Cubs offense. Factor in Taillon’s recent play, and it’s difficult to envision a Chicago victory. Back the Brewers during tonight’s Game 2 in the Windy City.
