Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions May 28th 2024

Aiming to Extend Division Lead, Brewers Face Cubs Again

As the National League Central race heats up, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to extend their lead over the Chicago Cubs. This pivotal series features Freddy Peralta on the mound for the Brewers, going up against the Cubs’ rookie right-hander, Ben Brown. With the Brewers’ recent victory and strategic plays from both teams, this matchup promises to be a thrilling one.

Freddy Peralta vs. Ben Brown: Pitching Showdown

Freddy Peralta’s Season So Far

Freddy Peralta has experienced a rollercoaster season with a 3-3 record and a 3.81 ERA. After starting strong with three consecutive wins, he hasn’t secured a victory since April 30. May has been particularly challenging for Peralta, with an 0-3 record and a 4.70 ERA over four starts. In his most recent outing, he pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run, but still ended up with a 1-0 loss against the Miami Marlins. Historically, Peralta has performed well against the Cubs, holding a 5-2 record and a 3.50 ERA over 16 appearances.

Ben Brown’s Emergence

Rookie Ben Brown has proven to be a versatile asset for the Cubs, alternating between the bullpen and the starting rotation. With a 1-1 record and a 3.20 ERA, Brown has shown significant promise. His performance in May has been particularly impressive, posting a 1.65 ERA over five outings. In his last start, he threw four scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves, demonstrating his potential to shut down opposing offenses.

Brewers’ Recent Momentum

Offensive Breakthrough

The Brewers have recently found their stride offensively, highlighted by a 5-1 victory in the series opener against the Cubs. This win was driven by a five-run burst in the eighth inning, including a three-run homer by Willy Adames. The Brewers’ knack for capitalizing on bullpen weaknesses is a key part of their strategy moving forward.

Home Field Advantage

Milwaukee’s home performance has been stellar, winning eight of their last ten games at American Family Field. This home-field dominance could be crucial in their quest to maintain and extend their division lead.

Cubs’ Struggles and Counsell’s Return

Losing Streak

The Cubs are currently in a slump, having lost a season-high five consecutive games and eight of their last ten. This downturn has put them 4.5 games behind the Brewers, making this series vital for them to stay competitive in the division race.

Counsell’s Controversial Return

Craig Counsell’s return to Milwaukee as the Cubs’ manager was met with significant fan reaction, including boos during pregame introductions. Counsell’s move to a divisional rival after nine seasons managing the Brewers adds an extra layer of intrigue and emotion to this series.

Brewers’ Managerial Perspective

Brewers manager Pat Murphy remains focused on the long-term goal despite the recent success. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and addressing the challenges of injuries and inexperience. Murphy’s pragmatic approach highlights the team’s need to maintain focus and effort throughout the season.

Key Matchup Insights

Peralta’s Strategy

For Freddy Peralta, maintaining control and avoiding early runs will be crucial. His ability to limit the Cubs’ offense and provide depth into the game can set the tone for the Brewers’ bullpen to secure the win.

Brown’s Potential

Ben Brown’s ability to handle the Brewers’ lineup will be under scrutiny. His performance in previous outings suggests he can be a formidable opponent, but consistency will be key against a motivated Milwaukee team.

Historical Context and Rivalry

The Brewers and Cubs have a storied rivalry, with each game in this series adding to the historical significance. The Brewers’ recent inability to score against Cubs starters, highlighted by a 25 1/3 inning scoreless streak, adds pressure and excitement to this matchup.

In-Game Adjustments and Strategies

Brewers’ Offensive Tactics

Milwaukee’s strategy will likely focus on exploiting bullpen vulnerabilities, as demonstrated in their series opener. Key hitters like Willy Adames will be central to this approach, aiming to break through in late innings.

Cubs’ Defensive Play

The Cubs will need strong defensive support and effective bullpen management to counter the Brewers’ offensive threats. Manager Craig Counsell’s decisions will be critical in maintaining a competitive edge.

Conclusion

This series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the National League Central race. With Freddy Peralta and Ben Brown set to face off, and the added drama of Craig Counsell’s return to Milwaukee, fans can expect an exciting and competitive set of games.