Jon Lester did not look like the No. 1 pitcher of a World Series-contending team in the season opener last Thursday, surrendering seven hits and four runs in just 3.1 innings of work. The Chicago Cubs left-hander now must try to find his stuff when he takes to the bump to face the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.
The Brewers will counter with Brent Suter, who was solid if underwhelming during his first outing of the year. Suter gave up five hits and three runs with four strikeouts in five innings of work in what was a 7-3 victory for the Brew Crew. Suter’s quick pace helped stymie the Cubs last season, as the lefty posted a 3.29 ERA in four appearances – including two starts – vs the Cubbies.
The Cubs actually dominated the Brewers at Miller Park last season, going 7-3 while outscoring the home team 44-28. That being said, five of those 10 games were ultimately decided by just one run.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The moneyline was hovering in the range of +123 for the Milwaukee Brewers in this one over at Sportsbook. The OVER/UNDER number was sitting near 9 at Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 3.4-1.9 win for the Brewers on Thursday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Milwaukee Brewers sport a record of 4-2 heading into this matchup, while the Chicago Cubs sit at 2-3 on the season Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Milwaukee vs Chicago injuries news.
The Brewers-Cubs odds would favor the Cubs if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Milwaukee is rated No. 10 in the current OddsShark poll, while Chicago is at No. 3.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits the Milwaukee Brewers' No. 15-rated offense, averaging 4.33 runs per game, against a Chicago Cubs defense that ranks No. 10 at 3.8 in runs allowed per game. The Brewers have averaged 9.67 hits per game so far, more than Cubs batters have averaged on the year (8 hits per game).
Comparing defensive stats, Chicago owns the No. 10-rated road mark, allowing 3.8 runs per game on the highway. Milwaukee, on the other hand, rates No. 18 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Chicago didn't plate a single run in their last outing, shut down by Tyler Mahle in a losing cause, 1-0, against Cincinnati on Monday.
Milwaukee didn't plate a single run in their last outing, shut down by Carlos Martinez in a losing cause, 6-0, against St. Louis on Wednesday.
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at Milwaukee, Friday, April 6