Cubs vs. Brewers prediction, odds, pick

The Chicago Cubs will begin a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday at American Family Field. We're here to share our MLB odds series , make a Cubs-Brewers prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.

Cubs-Brewers Projected Starters

Jameson Taillon vs. Colin Rea

Jameson Taillon (4-3) with a 2.90 ERA

Last Start: Taillon was brilliant in his last outing, going seven innings while allowing just one earned run on sit hits and striking out 10 in a win over the New York Mets.

Colin Rea (6-2) with a 3.62 ERA

Last Start: Rea struggled in his previous outing, going 5 1/3 innings while allowing five earned runs on six hits, not notching a single strikeout, and walking two in a no-decision against the Padres.

Here are the MLB Odds , courtesy of FanDuel.

MLB Odds: Cubs-Brewers Odds

Chicago Cubs: +1.5 (-194)

Moneyline: +120

Milwaukee Brewers: -1.5 (+158)

Moneyline: -142

Over: 8 (-110)

Under: 8 (-110)

How to Watch Cubs vs. Brewers

Time: 8:10 PM ET/5:10 PM PT

TV: Marquee Sports and Bally Sports Wisconsin

Stream: fuboTV ( Click for free trial )

Why The Cubs Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Cubs have had a punchless offense for most of the season. Significantly, they are just 24th in batting average, 22nd in home runs, and 25th in slugging percentage. Chicago also ranks 14th in on-base percentage and 19th in runs. Therefore, their best players need to do more.

Nico Hoerner has endured injuries this season but is the key to the success of the Cubs, as he is batting .385 with five hits, one home run, three RBIs, and two runs over three games against the Brewers. Conversely, those are much better numbers than his usual output, where he is hitting just .216 with 38 hits, three home runs, 16 RBIs, and 14 runs over 49 games against Milwaukee. Dansby Swanson needs to do more. So far, he is hitting .239 with 43 hits, eight home runs, 27 RBIs, and 23 runs over 49 career games against the Brewers.

Cody Bellinger exploded against the Brewers earlier this season, batting .444 with eight hits, one home run, three RBIs, and four runs over four games against the Brew Crew. He is also hitting .299 with 44 hits, eight home runs, 29 RBIs, and 24 runs over 41 games against Milwaukee. Ian Happ would like to do more. So far, he is hitting .244 with 77 hits, 11 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 44 runs over 100 games against the Brewers.

Taillon has faced the Brewers twice this season. First, he tossed six shutout innings while allowing two hits and striking out seven in a win on May 4. Taillon did not do as well in his next outing, allowing three earned runs on six hits, striking out four in a no-decision on May 30. Now, he faces the Brewers for the third time, hoping for the W. Taillon leads a rotation that is eighth in the majors in team ERA. However, many of the starters have not gotten many wins because of a lack of run support. The bullpen then would find a way to blow the lead or cost the Cubs the games. Consequently, this bullpen is 24th in team ERA.

The Cubs will cover the spread if they can clobber together some hits. Then, they need Taillon to pitch well and for the bullpen to thrive.

Why The Brewers Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Brewers are the best team in the National League Central because many things are going well. Substantially, they are fourth in batting average, third in on-base percentage, and sixth in runs. But the Brewers have not been as powerful at the plate, ranking 15th in home runs and 12th in slugging percentage.

Willy Adames did well against the Cubs this season, batting .389 with seven hits, two home runs, seven RBIs, and five runs over his last five games. Now, he is hitting .284 with 46 hits, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 27 runs over 42 career games against Chicago. William Contreras struggled against the Cubs, batting .158 with three hits and two runs over five games. But he is hitting .279 with 10 RBIs and 10 runs over 10 games against the Cubs.

Rea faced the Cubs on May 30. Significantly, he went 5 1/3 innings while allowing one earned run on five hits, striking out five and walking one in a no-decision. Rea will lead a rotation that is struggling to hit the mark. Currently, Milwaukee is 19th in starting pitcher team ERA. When Rea finishes, he will turn it over to one of the best bullpens in baseball. Amazingly, Milwaukee relievers rank third in the majors in team ERA.

The Brewers will cover the spread if their lineup continues to produce runs. Then, they need Rea to pitch well.

Final Cubs-Brewers Prediction & Pick

The Cubs went just 1-3 against the Brewers in Milwaukee earlier this season. Moreover, the Brewers covered the spread in three of the four games. If you believe the Brewers will win, then you also believe they will cover the spread. In this case, Taillon is amazing. But the bullpen is atrocious. The Cubs will not give Taillon any run support. Expect the Brewers to cover the spread.

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