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Chi. Cubs (0-1) at Milwaukee (1-0)
- When: Oct 6 2025, 9:08 PM
- Where: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Where to watch: TBS
Chi. Cubs vs Milwaukee MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Milwaukee -118
Spread: Milwaukee -1.5 (+165)
Total: 8.0
Milwaukee Brewers Betting Preview
The Brewers couldn’t have asked for a better start to this NLDS. They crushed the Cubs 9–3 in Game 1, jumping on Chicago’s pitching with a six-run first inning and never looking back. Now, they’ll hand the ball to lefty Aaron Ashby (5–2, 2.16 ERA), who’s been one of their most reliable bullpen arms this year.
Ashby isn’t a traditional starter, this is more of a hybrid assignment, but he’s been lights-out lately, tossing 10⅓ scoreless innings to close out the regular season. Milwaukee’s bullpen is well-rested, and the staff is built to absorb short outings like this.
Offensively, Milwaukee’s bats are scorching. Even with Jackson Chourio’s hamstring scare, the lineup has been relentless, forcing deep counts and punishing mistakes. Look for Christian Yelich to stay hot, he’s been a steady postseason performer and hits lefties well, giving him plenty of opportunities to do damage against Imanaga.
Prop Pick: Christian Yelich Over 1.5 Total Bases – Yelich has been seeing the ball well, and Imanaga’s recent struggles make him a strong play to notch multiple bases.
Brewers Betting Angle: Milwaukee has won seven of its last nine at home and is 12-5 in its last 17 against left-handed starters. With Ashby dealing and the bullpen fresh, they’re in prime position to grab a 2–0 stranglehold.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
The Cubs were outclassed in Game 1, their pitching imploded, and the offense never found a rhythm outside of three solo homers. Manager Craig Counsell knows there’s no panic yet, but Game 2 is close to must-win territory with the series shifting back to Wrigley.
Shota Imanaga (9–8, 3.73 ERA) draws the start, and it’s been a rough stretch for the Japanese lefty. He closed the regular season with a 6.51 ERA over his final five starts and was tagged for two runs in relief during the Wild Card loss. Imanaga’s track record against Milwaukee doesn’t inspire much confidence either, 1–3 with a 5.73 ERA in four career starts.
If the Cubs are going to even the series, they’ll need the top of the order to set the tone early. Michael Busch remains the X-factor in this lineup and has had some success against Milwaukee pitching. If he gets hot, Chicago’s offense can flip the script.
Prop Pick: Michael Busch to Hit a Home Run – Busch has been one of the few Cubs with consistent pop in this matchup. He’s worth a shot to go deep at plus odds.
Cubs Betting Angle: Chicago’s offense has been feast-or-famine, and their bullpen is already stretched. Unless Imanaga delivers one of his best outings of the year, the Cubs could find themselves heading home down 0–2.
Prediction & Betting Outlook
Milwaukee is too deep, too hot, and too disciplined right now. The Cubs can swing for the fences all they want, but the Brewers’ pitching depth and early-inning aggression should carry them again.
Score Prediction: Brewers 6, Cubs 4
Pick: Milwaukee (-118)
Total: Over 8.0 (-104)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
