NEWSLETTER
Cubs vs Brewers — And so begins the biggest series of the season!
Yes, the Cubs have already had a few huge matchups throughout the year, especially as they were approaching the trade deadline, but this is different. The Cubs are in full-on compete mode and these next two weeks are going to be critical to whatever end this season is barreling towards.
Despite a strong 26-14 record in the second half of the season, the Cubs are beginning this series 4.0 games behind Milwaukee for the division lead. That means there is a very wide range of possible outcomes three days from today:
Sweeping is a dream, obviously. Winning two out of three would be fantastic and give the Cubs plenty of time to overcome the remaining gap. Winning just one would hurt, but probably doesn’t dash any hopes too drammatically. But if the Cubs get swept … woof. That might just about be that in the NL Central, even with three head-to-head games at the end of the season.
Setting that part aside, how about these pitching matchups? The Cubs have two of their three best starters going this week in Chicago, Justin Steele tomorrow and Kyle Hendricks on Wednesday. And tonight’s starter, Jameson Taillon, has been much better lately (he was just one pitch away from six scoreless innings in Detroit his last time out). I wouldn’t say he’s settled in anywhere close to what you’d want, but he does have a 3.98 ERA over his last nine starts (52.0 IP). He’s been better lately.
Unfortunately, the Brewers have a nightmare selection of starters on tap. First up is our old friend, Wade Miley, who’s having a really solid season for Milwaukee (because of course he is): 3.18 ERA over 17 starts.
The Cubs were able to get to Miley the last time they matched up on the Fourth of July (5.0 IP, 9H, 4ER, 2BB, 4K), but he’s given them problems in the past. Oh, and the Cubs have generally been worse against left-handed pitching this season, with an ever-evolving lineup David Ross just can’t quite seem to crack.
After that, the Cubs get Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff. Woof (x2). Both guys are capable of ace-caliber performances, even if the former isn’t having his best season and the later is just six starts into his return from the IL. If you’re looking for some upshot, consider that the Twins (6 earned runs) and the White Sox (5 earned runs) both got into Burnes in recent games. But the counter? Burnes sandwiched a casual 7.0 shutout innings against the Dodgers in Los Angeles in-between those two games. So. Yeah. He’s not someone you take for granted.
Setting aside all the nerves and anxiety I’m experiencing right now … what a cool freakin’ series. Cubs vs Brewers at Wrigley Field. Best starters on the bump. Enormous divisional stakes. I love it. Go Cubs.
Cubs vs Brewers – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Monday, August 28 at 7:05 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, 670 The Score
Game 2: Tuesday, August 29 at 7:05 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, TBS, 670 The Score
Game 3: Wednesday, August 30 at 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, 670 The Score
