Two of the hottest teams in baseball are set to tangle tonight as the Cubs and the Brewers are slated for a 8:05pm ET start at Miller Park. The two National League Central rivals have each won seven of their last 10 contests and are just a half game apart in the division standings.
Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers MLB Picks at BetUS.com have the Brewers listed as a -130 moneyline favorite.
Chicago, who is coming off a two game sweep of the Astros in Houston, is now 16-12 on the year. The Cubs fought their way through a rough patch where they lost seven of nine outings and have landed in second place in the division standings, just two and a half games behind the Cardinals. They improved their road record to 8-6 with their domination of Houston.
Getting the starting nod tonight for Chicago is rookie right hander Randy Wells. The 26 year old Illinois native will be making his first appearance of the 2009 season and the first start of his major league career. Wells worked out of the bullpen as a September call-up last year. He performed admirably in his brief big league stint, working 5.1 innings and giving up no hits and no earned runs.
Milwaukee, who has also had some struggles this year, is now playing some of the best baseball in the National League. The Brewers have won four of their last five games and have been as solid as any club over the last two weeks, going 12-4 in that span. They enter tonight's fracas with a 16-13 record and stand just a half game back of the second place Cubs in the Central.
The Brew Crew will send veteran hurler Dave Bush to the hill this evening. The 29 year old has made five starts this season but has garnered just one decision, a 6-1 win against the Phillies back on April 23rd. Bush has pitched 33 innings in total, yielding 29 hits and 16 earned runs (4.36 ERA). The native Pennsylvanian has a 3.94 ERA as a starter and he has walked nine while striking out 24 in that role.
The Brewers are 3-7 in their last games against the Cubs at Miller Park.
BetUS.com Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers MLB Picks:
Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-190), Over 9.5 (-105), +110 (Moneyline)
Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 (+160), Under 9.5 (-115), -130 (Moneyline)
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