Chi. Cubs (19-13) at Milwaukee (16-16)
- When: May 2 2025, 8:10 PM
- Where: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Where to watch: Apple TV+
MLB Betting Preview & Expert Predictions: Cubs vs. Brewers
Moneyline: Cubs -119 | Total: 8.5
Chicago Cubs – Offense on Fire, Looking to Stay Hot in Milwaukee
The Cubs come into Friday night’s series opener as slim -119 road favorites, and their offense is a big reason why. Fresh off a series win over Pittsburgh, Chicago has been one of the most explosive teams at the plate this season. They lead all of MLB in total runs (192) and hits (298), rank second in team batting average (.264), and sit third in both on-base percentage (.342) and slugging (.457).
Designated hitter Seiya Suzuki is fueling the fire, clubbing two home runs in Thursday’s win over the Pirates. He now leads the team with nine homers and shares the RBI lead (28) while batting a sharp .295. Suzuki has been locked in at the plate, and manager Craig Counsell credits his success to a consistent approach and confident swing decisions.
On the mound, second-year righty Ben Brown (2-2, 6.04 ERA) gets the nod. He’s coming off a rough outing against Philly but had a historic performance the last time he faced Milwaukee—striking out 10 over seven hitless innings in 2023. If Brown can channel that form, the Cubs are in great shape to cash as slight favorites.
Best Bet: Cubs Moneyline (-119)
Player to Watch: Seiya Suzuki to record a hit and total bases Over
Milwaukee Brewers – Banged Up and Searching for Momentum
Milwaukee enters this divisional showdown on shaky footing. After getting blanked 8-0 by the White Sox in their last game, the Brewers are dealing with a rash of injuries and inconsistent offense. They managed just two hits in that loss, ending a brief three-game winning streak. The team is missing key contributors, including outfielders Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins, along with several starting pitchers.
Despite the setbacks, manager Pat Murphy refuses to let injuries become a crutch. But the offensive struggles are real, and Milwaukee will need more than grit to keep pace with a red-hot Cubs offense.
Quinn Priester (1-0, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound looking to steady the ship. He allowed five runs on eight hits in his last outing against the Cardinals and owns a no-decision in his only career start versus the Cubs, where he gave up four runs over six innings. This will be his fifth start of the season and his first big test against an offense this hot.
Leans: Cubs First 5 Innings ML, Brewers Team Total Under
Pitching Edge: Favors Cubs (if Brown rebounds)
Expert Prediction
The Cubs are clicking offensively, and even with some question marks on the mound, their bats should give them a strong edge over an injury-plagued Brewers team. Milwaukee’s recent lack of production and a vulnerable starter in Priester make it tough to back them here.
Final Call:
Back the: Cubs at -119
Lean: Under 8.5 (-105)
Final Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Brewers 2
Best Props:
Suzuki should continue raking, making him a strong prop target for hits or total bases
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
