Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers Doubleheader Prediction (August 18, 2025)
Can the Cubs climb back into the wild card picture? Or will the Brewers’ resolve to solidify their division lead dominate the games? A win for the Brewers at Wrigley Field will give them just that as they come off a 14-game winning streak and one loss.
The game will be a doubleheader format. The fans will get to experience two rivalry games in one day, bringing a lot of energy to Wrigley Field. Bullpen management and lineup depth will also be key factors for both teams.
The game is undoubtedly a crucial NL Central showdown, with the playoff positioning at stake as well. We’ll give our thoughts on the game, review each team’s strengths, and recommend our best bets and predictions.
Game Details
- Matchup: Chicago Cubs (80-53) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (78-45)
- Date & Time: Monday, August 18, at 2:20 PM ET
- Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois
- Where to Watch: FDSNWI, MARQ, MLBN
Starting Pitching Matchup Breakdown
Freddy Peralta (Chicago Cubs)
Freddy Peralta is the most likely starting pitcher for the Cubs. His current stats are 14-5, 2.90 ERA, 148 SO.
The Cubs have a good pitching record at home, and they also tend to limit HRs when the wind blows into Wrigley. But there are a few things that are of concern to us in this game.
One of the most notable concerns is that the Cubs have previously struggled with left-handed power bats. And the Milwaukee Brewers have a considerable number of those, one of which is Christian Yelich. He will lead the offense for the Brewers with his .267/.345/.467 line.
Cade Horton (Milwaukee Brewers)
Cade Horton will likely be the starting pitcher for the Brewers when they face the Cubs. His current stats are 7-3, 3.07 ERA, 67 SO.
Christian Yelich will likely lead the offense for the Brewers, and we expect some notable performances from him, especially with the Brewers having a strong strikeout upside in the game. But the team will have to watch out for the walk rate. The Cubs have a well-rounded offense that can drive up pitch counts.
Game 2 Notes
Both teams have a lot to gain in this game. As such, we should look out for spot traders in the nightcap. We should also expect heavy bullpen usage from both teams in the game. And the secondary arms will be crucial in creating high-scoring opportunities.
Offensive Trends and Team Form
Chicago Cubs (Recent record: 5 Wins, 10 Losses)
The Cubs haven’t exactly had an impressive run in their previous ten matches. They’ve lost half of that, most notably to the Pirates, the Blue Jays, and the Cardinals.
We’ve picked up an inconsistent offense from the Cubs in the previous matches. The team typically ended up with big innings or long scoreless stretches, a weakness the Brewers might exploit to win the game.
Bellinger will likely bring his powerful hits to the game to heat up. You can also look out for Busch, who has been reliable at Wrigley and is considered a productive hitter by manager Craig Counsell.
Milwaukee Brewers (Recent record: 9 Wins, 1 Loss)
The Brewers had a 14-game winning streak before losing to the Reds in the lead-up to their encounter against the Cubs. So, they have the upper hand when it comes to the recent record, but that might not tell the whole story.
Christian Yelich will lead the more balanced offense that includes Brice Turang, Sal Frelick, Andrew Vaughn, Isaac Collins, Joey Ortiz, Caleb Durbin, and Blake Perkins. William Contreras, who has been impressive in recent weeks, will join the Brewers’ offense against the Cubs.
The Brewers have an excellent baserunning pressure and will likely use that in the game. You can also expect runs even without the power, as the team is known to manufacture such.
Head-to-Head and Historical Edge
- For the 2025 season: Cubs 4 wins/4 losses, Brewers 4 wins/4 losses.
This game will be the first time both teams meet at Wrigley in 2025. However, the Cubs have played the Brewers tough, and the series typically results in splits.
While the Cubs are favorites, the Brewers lead the bullpen as its ERA in the last 30 days is stronger. On the other hand, the Cubs will have to deal with a shaky middle relief.
Ballpark and Environment Factors
The game might turn into a slugfest if the winds blow out. Whichever happens, we are certain that the wind direction will contribute significantly to the totals.
You can also expect defensive miscues from both teams in Game 2, due to the doubleheader fatigue. As for weather, the warm and humid conditions of mid-August will allow the bal lto carry well at night.
Live Betting Odds
What are the numbers telling us for this matchup? Here’s the latest odds and lines from FanDuel:
| Bet Type | Brewers | Cubs |
|---|---|---|
Moneyline (Game 1) | +108 | -126 |
Run Line (Game 1) | +1.5 (-192) | -1.5 (+158) |
Total (Game 1) | Over 8 (-112) | Under 8 (-108) |
Moneyline (Game 2) | +102 | -120 |
Run Line (Game 2) | +1.5 (-205) | -1.5 (+168) |
Total (Game 2) | Over 9 (-105) | Under 9 (-115) |
Top Player Props to Consider
- Michael Busch Over 1.5 Total Bases – thrives at Wrigley vs RHP.
- Andrew Vaughn is to hit a Home Run.
- Strikeout props: Freddy Peralta Over 5.5, Cade Horton Under 3.5
Our Best Bets
#1 Game 1: Brewers Moneyline – Medium Confidence
- Rationale: The Brewers have better bullpen depth. They are also the most consistent in offense.
- Supporting Trends: Brewers 6-2 in last 8 vs Cubs
#2 Game 2: Over 9 Runs – Medium/High Confidence
- Rationale: The nightcap typically favors bats, while the doubleheaders often stretch the bullpens.
- Angles: The Cubs’ bullpen has a high ERA in back-to-backs. The Brewers, on the other hand, have an opportunistic lineup.
#3 Player Prop – Michael Busch Over 1.5 Total Bases – Medium Confidence
- Rationale: Wrigley has just the conditions to favor his pull-side power. And we expect an 8-9A across the doubleheader.
#4 Game 1: Brewers +1.5 – Low Confidence
- Rationale: The Brewers will likely win via multiple runs if they win behind their starter.
- Caution: The Cubs’ offense has proven to be capable of hanging around and keeping the games close.
Conclusion – Final Thoughts and Score Predictions
Why Brewers Have the Edge in the Twin Bill
- The team has a deeper pitching staff across two games.
- Even better, the lineup is balanced enough to produce both power and speed in the games.
Our Final Verdict: Brewers Slightly More Reliable
- Game 1: Brewers 5, Cubs 3
- Game 2: Cubs 7, Brewers 5
🔥 Closing Line: Expect Split Decisions, but Betting Value on the Over in Game 2
Stay sharp—odds can swing quickly with a high-stakes doubleheader like Cubs vs. Brewers, especially with bullpen fatigue in play. Make sure to check the latest lines before betting, and for the best value, explore our top-rated sports betting sites for reliable odds and fast payouts.
