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Milwaukee (2-0) at Chi. Cubs (0-2)
- When: Oct 8 2025, 5:08 PM
- Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Where to watch: FS1
Milwaukee vs Chi. Cubs MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -119
Spread: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+190)
Total: 6.5
Chicago Cubs Outlook
The Cubs are officially in do-or-die territory. Down 0–2 in the NLDS, they need three straight wins against the top-seeded Brewers to keep their season alive. It’s been a rough stretch for a team that came into October with one of baseball’s most explosive offenses, but has sputtered since the playoffs began.
Chicago’s lineup that ranked fifth in MLB in runs scored (793) has managed just 12 total across five postseason games. The pressure now falls squarely on Jameson Taillon, who gets the start in Game 3. The veteran right-hander looked sharp in the Wild Card round, throwing four scoreless innings before getting the hook after just 60 pitches. Against Milwaukee this season, he’s been steady, 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts.
The Cubs know they can’t think about winning three straight, just one at a time. Outfielder Ian Happ and rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong both voiced that belief, with Crow-Armstrong confidently stating that this team still “absolutely” believes it can turn the series around.
For Chicago, the formula is simple: better at-bats, sharper situational hitting, and a Taillon start that keeps the game within reach. Wrigley Field will be loud, but the offense must finally cash in with runners in scoring position if they hope to extend their season.
Cubs Betting Angle: The Cubs are 8-2 in their last 10 home games when favored and tend to bounce back strong after multiple losses. Expect an aggressive approach early as they look to rattle Milwaukee’s young starter and build momentum inning by inning.
Milwaukee Brewers Outlook
The Brewers are one win away from punching their ticket to the NLCS and they’re doing it with power, swagger, and a local storyline. Illinois-born Quinn Priester gets the nod with a chance to eliminate the very team he grew up rooting for. Talk about poetic baseball drama.
Priester finished the regular season 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA, showing poise beyond his 25 years. While he’s had mixed success against the Cubs (6.20 career ERA), his offense has more than covered for him. Milwaukee has outscored Chicago 14–6 through the first two games, blasting three homers in Monday’s 7–3 win.
The big bats, Andrew Vaughn, Jackson Chourio, and William Contreras, have come alive at the perfect time. Chourio’s three-run blast in Game 2 was especially encouraging after battling a hamstring tweak, and manager Pat Murphy praised his “mentality over feelings” toughness. The Brewers have been resilient all season, and that same grit now has them on the doorstep of another postseason milestone.
Brewers Betting Angle: Milwaukee is 6-1 in its last seven playoff games as an underdog and has been excellent at capitalizing on mistakes. If Priester can give them five competitive innings and the bullpen stays sharp, the Brewers could clinch this series in enemy territory.
Prediction & Betting Angle
The Cubs will fight hard with their backs to the wall, but Milwaukee’s confidence and power advantage are too much to ignore. Priester has the composure to handle the moment, and the Brewers’ bats look locked in for the kill.
Score Prediction: Brewers 4, Cubs 2
Pick: Milwaukee (-101)
Total: Under 6.5 (-105)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
