In the second of a three-game series between the Milwaukee Brewers (17-22) and the Chicago Cubs (27-10) at Miller Park, Jimmy Nelson (4-3, 3.51 ERA) and John Lackey (4-2, 3.54 ERA) take the mound. The Brewers won the last game 4-2, and Milwaukee leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 18 and will air on WGN and FSWI.
In his last start, Nelson pitched 8.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out five and walking one in a 3-0 loss to the Padres. Ryan Braun (.364, 21 Rs, 7 HRs, 28 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI. The Cubs were also unsuccessful the last time Lackey pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 8.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out seven in a 1-0 loss to the Padres.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Brewers have a SU record of 15-4 against teams in their division. Milwaukee has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking third in the NL with an average of 4.1 walks per game. Over their past 10 games, Milwaukee’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the NL with 6.7 strikeouts per game.
Against divisional opponents, the Cubs are 5-8 SU. The Cubs rank second in the NL in scoring, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Chicago has an eye for the strike zone, averaging an NL-best 5.0 walks per game. Chicago’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, averaging an NL-best 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.046 on the year, the best in the league.
In their previous three games this season, the Cubs have a 2-1 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Milwaukee has won 36% (5-9) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 89% (16-2) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Brewers have a 4-7 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 2-18. The Cubs have a 2-8 record when opponents outhit them.
Milwaukee and Chicago both rank in the top half of the league in home runs. Milwaukee sits at 15th with 43 home runs this season and Chicago ranks 14th with 44.
Ranking 20th, Milwaukee is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.10 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 11th with 8.73.
Ranking 13th, Milwaukee is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.740). Chicago ranks in the top five with an OPS of .795.
The Cubs are 12-7 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Brewers are 13-19 when they allow at least one homer.
