Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs Game 1 Pick – 8/18/2025
The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs will meet in the first game of a doubleheader on Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field. This game was rescheduled from a rainout in June and has huge NL Central implications. The Brewers come into this series with a big lead in the division and Chicago will try to claw closer to them at home this week. Before the doubleheader action begins in Chicago, keep reading to get my Brewers vs Cubs prediction.
Our Brewers vs Cubs Game 1 Prediction
- Pick: Chicago Cubs to win Game 1
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
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Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs
- Date & Time: Monday, August 18, 2025, 2:20 p.m. ET
- Starting Pitchers: Freddy Peralta (MIL) vs Cade Horton (CHC)
- Stadium: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Broadcast: MLB Network
Key Storylines
- Pitching matchup: Freddy Peralta has been dominant for the Brewers this season. He has a 14-5 record with a 2.90 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 136.2 innings pitched. His ability to limit home runs and generate strikeouts makes him a tough opponent for opposing hitters. Cubs rookie Cade Horton has shown promise with a 7-3 record and a 3.07 ERA in 85 innings. His inexperience in high-pressure situations could be a disadvantage against a seasoned lineup like Milwaukee’s.
- NL Central Standings: The Brewers have been red-hot of late and have jumped out to an eight-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central standings. The Cubs sit in the top spot in the NL Wild Card standings and should make the playoffs regardless. But Chicago will try desperately to get closer to the Brewers in the standings in this series.
- Recent team streaks: The Brewers had a 14-game win streak snapped with an extra-inning loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Cubs have won their last two games over the Pittsburgh Pirates heading into this series opener.
Best Player Props
| Player | Prop |
|---|---|
| Christian Yelich | Under 1.5 Total Bases |
| Freddy Peralta | Under 6.5 Strikeouts |
| Seiya Suzuki | Over 0.5 Home Runs |
Betting Trends & H2H
- The season series between these teams is tied 4-4 going into this game.
- The Brewers have won three of the last four games between these teams.
- Milwaukee is 33-21 in day games so far this season.
- The Cubs are 33-24 in their day games in 2025.
Brewers vs Cubs Game 1 Model Projection
- Score Projection: Cubs 5 – Brewers 3
- Win Probability: Cubs 55%, Brewers 45%
Final Thoughts
Both of these teams appear headed toward October baseball this season. But only one of them can win in this game. I think that team will be the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers have struggled with their bullpen over the last few days. Even if Milwaukee has won 14 of their last 15 games, I think the Cubbies can hang around in this contest and are worth playing at home in what is close to a pick ’em.
