The Milwaukee Brewers take on the Chicago Cubs in the decisive seventh game of their five-game series on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 2:20 PM CDT at Wrigley Field in Chicago. With the Brewers leading the NL Central and the Cubs fighting to close the gap, this matchup could shift the division race. Fans craving a competitive edge can count on this expert preview, featuring key player insights, a pitching matchup, and a prediction—boost your success with our winning MLB insights now!
Milwaukee Brewers
- 2025 Record (as of August 20): 79-47, 1st in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Brewers are riding a strong season, winning 23 of their last 28 games despite a recent 1-4 skid against the Cubs. Their offense (.739 OPS) ranks eighth in MLB, led by Brice Turang’s recent power surge (6 HRs in August), while pitching remains solid with a 3.61 team ERA.
- Strengths: Balanced lineup with emerging power and a reliable rotation.
- Weaknesses: Injuries to key players like Jackson Chourio (hamstring) and Rhys Hoskins (thumb) could test depth.
- Player to Watch: Brice Turang (2B) – His .333 August average and 6 HRs could spark a comeback.
Chicago Cubs
- 2025 Record (as of August 20): 72-54, 2nd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Cubs have gained momentum, winning 3 of their last 4, including a 6-4 victory over the Brewers on August 19. Their pitching leads MLB with a 2.75 ERA in August, though the offense relies heavily on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 27 HRs.
- Strengths: Dominant pitching and home-field advantage at Wrigley Field.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent offense (.406 slugging percentage) and injuries to pitchers like Justin Steele (elbow).
- Player to Watch: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF) – His .516 slugging and 27 HRs are critical against the Brewers.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Cubs lead the 2025 season series 5-3, winning the last two games (6-4 on August 19 and 4-1 earlier), though the Brewers won 7-0 on August 18.
- Recent Encounter: On August 19, 2025, the Cubs edged the Brewers 6-4, with Willi Castro’s homer and strong relief pitching sealing the win.
- Key Insight: Chicago’s recent success at home and Milwaukee’s struggle to close out games give the Cubs a slight edge.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewers | Jacob Misiorowski (RHP) | 4-1 | 3.89 | 71.2 | 50 | 1.12 |
| Cubs | Undecided (TBD) | – | – | – | – | – |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers)
- Strengths: High strikeout potential (6.3 K/9) and a low 1.12 WHIP, with a fastball that can overwhelm hitters.
- Negatives: Inconsistent command (2.32 BB/9) and a 3.89 ERA suggest vulnerability against a hot Cubs lineup.
- Undecided (Cubs)
- Strengths: The Cubs’ rotation depth (e.g., Matthew Boyd’s 2.61 ERA) offers a chance for a strong start, likely around the team’s 2.75 August ERA.
- Negatives: Uncertainty with the starter and bullpen fatigue from recent games could expose weaknesses.
Key Players to Monitor
- Milwaukee Brewers:
- Brice Turang (2B): .333 in August with 6 HRs, a key offensive driver.
- Christian Yelich (DH): 26 HRs, regaining power form.
- William Contreras (C): .333 in August with 4 HRs, adding depth.
- Chicago Cubs:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): 27 HRs and .516 slugging, a power threat.
- Willi Castro (LF): Recent homer and clutch hitting post-trade.
- Nico Hoerner (2B): .291 BA, reliable contact hitter.
Recent Performance
- Milwaukee Brewers: At 79-47, the Brewers are 3-4 in their last 7 against the Cubs, outscoring them 23-20, with pitching holding steady.
- Chicago Cubs: At 72-54, the Cubs are 4-3 in their last 7, outscoring the Brewers 20-23, with pitching leading the charge.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Wrigley Field’s wind and dimensions favor pitchers, boosting the Cubs’ staff.
- Weather: Forecasted at 75°F with winds blowing in, likely suppressing home runs.
- Momentum: Cubs’ recent wins contrast with Brewers’ skid.
- Betting Odds: Cubs favored at -115, with over/under at 7.0, indicating a tight, low-scoring game.
Prediction
The Chicago Cubs are favored to take the series, leveraging their 2.75 August ERA and home advantage at Wrigley Field. Jacob Misiorowski’s 3.89 ERA and the Brewers’ recent struggles against the Cubs may not overcome Chicago’s pitching depth, despite Milwaukee’s offensive potential. The game could hinge on the Cubs’ bullpen holding firm.
Final Prediction: Chicago Cubs win, 3-2. The Cubs’ pitching outlasts Misiorowski, with Crow-Armstrong delivering a key hit.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (-115) – The Cubs’ home form and pitching edge make them a slight favorite worth backing.
- Under 7.0 Runs – The low ERAs and Wrigley’s conditions suggest a tight, low-scoring affair.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong to Hit a Home Run (+260) – His 27 HRs and power against Misiorowski offer value.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 20, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on MLBN.
