Cubs vs. Brewers: Game 2 Predictions and Insights

Cubs vs. Brewers: October baseball is here, and the energy in Milwaukee could power the entire city. The Brewers wasted no time setting the tone in Game 1, unloading on the Cubs and reminding everyone why they earned that first round bye. The crowd was electric, the bats were alive, and every swing felt like a statement.

The real test comes in Game 2, where momentum either snowballs or slips away. The Cubs turn to Shota Imanaga, a talented but struggling left hander who has been shaky away from Wrigley. The Brewers, fresh off a nine run outburst, have every reason to keep their foot on the gas tonight. If Game 1 was a spark, Game 2 could be the fire. I am locked in on my favorite play of the day, and everything about this matchup points to one thing…runs, early and often.

Let’s get into Game 2!

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Cubs vs. Brewers Game 2 Best Bets – October 6

Can the Brewers replicate Saturday’s performance?

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After coming out firing in Game 1 on Saturday and hanging nine runs on the Cubs, the Brewers quickly put to rest any talk about possible rust from the bye. Tonight feels like another perfect opportunity for Milwaukee to jump on Chicago early and often once again. With Cubs left hander Shota Imanaga taking the mound, his recent road struggles have been alarming, which is why my bread and butter first five team totals are firmly in play for Game 2. Milwaukee’s first five team total is set at 1.5 and priced at -145. I will always happily pay juice for a team total sitting at that number.

Imanaga’s Trends

As mentioned, the 32 year old Imanaga has been shaky on the road. He has allowed at least two runs in eight straight starts. Away from Wrigley this season, he carries a 3.44 ERA, allowing 4.6 hits and 2.3 runs per game. Over his last five outings overall, he holds a 6.46 xERA and 4.03 xFIP, while giving up 54% hard contact and a 17.5% barrel rate. Hitters during that stretch own a .296 xBA, .627 xSLG, and .403 xwOBA.

In his last three starts, his expected ERA balloons to 7.75 with a 5.14 xFIP, 54% hard contact, and a 21% barrel rate. Opponents in those starts have a .301 xBA, .665 xSLG, and .434 xwOBA.

Brewers vs. LHP

Milwaukee, meanwhile, enters tonight with four elite rated hitters and two more graded as great on Batters-Box. At home over the past four weeks, the Brewers rank top ten across most offensive metrics. Against left handed pitching in their last 60 at-bats, seven hitters are batting above .271, and eight have an on base percentage of .317 or higher. Six of those hitters own an OBP north of .352 during that stretch.

All six of Milwaukee’s top rated hitters will step in from the right side tonight, which only adds to their advantage. Right handed bats have been all over Imanaga lately. Against his last 60 right handed opponents, he owns a 7.43 ERA, 8.21 xERA, and has allowed 61% hard contact. Those hitters have produced a .351 xBA, .815 xSLG, and .444 xwOBA.

The Brewers should keep their foot down and make another statement at home against a struggling starter. Take advantage of the matchup and the moment. This is my favorite play of the day. Get in. Get out. Get two runs. I also like over 2.5 at plus money if 1.5 is unavailable, and the full game team total remains firmly in play as well.

Best Bet: Brewers First Five Team Total Over 1.5 Runs (-145) odds via BetOnline

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