The Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers meet Friday in MLB action from American Family Field. This will be the first game of the final regular-season series of 2023. Chicago is fresh off a series versus the Braves. After losing the first two games of that set, in the Thursday finale the Cubs lost by two runs for the sweep. As for Milwaukee, they played the Cardinals in their last series. The Brewers split the first pair, then in the rubber match Milwaukee took a shutout victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.

Chicago Cubs 

The Cubs had some trouble versus the Braves in their last series. Chicago lost 7-6 on Tuesday in the opener, then fell in another close one 6-5 in game two. On Thursday in the finale Chicago gave up five runs in the first three innings and stumbled to an eventual 5-3 loss. Seiya Suzuki managed two RBI and three hits, though.

In the starting pitcher slot for the Friday matchup, the Cubs are sending out Kyle Hendricks. This year Hendricks is 6-8 with a 3.66 ERA and 91 strikeouts total. 

Chicago Cubs Team Facts

The Cubs have lost each of their last eight road games.
The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six games as road favorites against National League opponents.
The Cubs have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four games as favorites against National League opponents.
The Cubs have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five games as favorites against National League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cubs’ last four games at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Brewers 

Over on the Brewers’ side, they lost to the Cardinals 4-1 in their Tuesday matchup. Game two was a victory however, as Milwaukee took it 3-2. In the Thursday rubber match Milwaukee posted eight hits on the way to a 3-0 shutout win. Christian Yelich (two hits; run) and William Contreras each had an RBI in the victory. 

As starter for Friday’s game the Brewers are going with Colin Rea. This year Rea is 6-6 with a 4.74 ERA and 104 Ks in 119.2 innings over 25 games (21 starts). Rea is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA over his last seven games (four starts). 

Milwaukee Brewers Team Facts

The Brewers have won seven of their last eight games as underdogs against NL Central opponents following a win.
The Brewers have covered the run line in each of their last nine games as underdogs against NL Central opponents.
The Brewers have led after 7 innings in six of their last seven games as home underdogs.
The Brewers have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games as underdogs against National League opponents.
The Brewers have led after 5 innings in each of their last five games as underdogs against National League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Milwaukee Brewers rank 1st in the league for ERA this season (3.70).
The Milwaukee Brewers rank 1st in the league for opponent batting average this season (.226).
The Chicago Cubs rank 6th in the league for runs scored this season (806).
The Chicago Cubs rank 6th in the league for on-base percentage this season (.330).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with the Brewers here. Rea should be able to put the team in a good position. In his last three appearances combined Rea is 1-1 with 10.1 innings, two earned, seven hits and four walks total. Milwaukee does have a couple of offensive duds recently, but overall they’re doing pretty well on the scoreboard with three or more runs in seven of their last nine games. If Rea can last four or five good innings in this opener, Milwaukee should be set up nicely. Chicago should also look better here than in the Braves series, though.