Neither team qualified for the playoffs in 2022, but the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs have clean slates in 2023.
Milwaukee finished 86-76, but that wasn’t enough as they were one game behind the Phillies for the last wild-card spot in the NL. This season is about winning those extra games and getting over that hump so that they can compete for the World Series.
The Cubs were third in the NL Central at 74-88, but they won 12 of their last 15 games, something that they hope to carry over into this season. Chicago added some quality players too, such as Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, and Jameson Taillon. They aren’t getting much buzz, but this team could make some noise in the NL Wild Card race.
Last year’s season series was tight, with the Cubs winning it 10-9. Let’s take a look at round one of Brewers vs. Cubs in 2023.
Brewers vs. Cubs Match Details
Fixture: Milwaukee Brewers @ Chicago Cubs
Date and Time: Thursday, March 30, 2023, 2:10 p.m. EST
Venue: Wrigley Field
Brewers vs. Cubs Odds
| Team | Run Line | Total | Money Line |
| Brewers | -1.5 (+125) | Over 6.5 (-125) | -140 |
| Cubs | +1.5 (-145) | Under 6.5 (+105) | +120 |
Brewers vs. Cubs Starting Pitchers
For a second straight year, Corbin Burnes will toe the slab in Wrigley on Opening Day for the Brewers. Burnes’ 2022 saw him make his second All-Star team, starting 33 games and tossing over 200 innings. He finished with a sub-3.00 ERA and sub-1.000 WHIP in 2022. He pitched 19.0 innings against the Cubs in 2022 and only allowed five runs, good for a 2.37 ERA. This Chicago lineup is a bit different, so that domination may not continue this season.
Chicago’s Opening Day start belongs to Marcus Stroman who is in his second season with the North Siders. He made 25 starts in 2022 and finished with a 3.50 ERA and 1.147 WHIP. Those are solid numbers, but not the best he’s ever put up. In three starts against the Brewers last season, Stroman allowed only three runs in 19.2 innings.
Brewers vs. Cubs Prediction
Chicago gets to open up at home and show off their new toys, both at the plate and on the mound. They’ve won four of their last five opening days, including home wins over the Brewers in 2020 and 2022.
The starting pitching matchup is dead even, and the lineups are comparable today. Milwaukee may have a slight edge in the bullpen, but you have to get there with a chance to win. I think Chicago will jump in front early and cling on to take the game.
