The Milwaukee Brewers are in Chicago for a big series against the Cubs, as the two teams fight for any sort of advantage heading into the final month-plus of the season. While the two squads have both been in shouting distance of each other for most of the year, the Brewers have pulled ahead for an eight-game lead in the NL Central, but five games in four days this week could quickly change that. This week also decides the season series, as the two teams are evened up at 4-4 thus far. For the full series preview, click here.
Today is the first two of those five games. First up is ace Freddy Peralta, who will go head-to-head with rookie Cade Horton for the Cubs in the first half of the doubleheader.
Peralta has turned in a strong year, as he’s pitching like we’ve all become used to: plenty of strikeouts, but also plenty of stress thanks to walks. Still, he’s managed to keep opposing offenses off the board, as he heads into this one with a 2.90 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and 148 strikeouts. His last start was six shutout frames against the Pirates in a 14-0 win.
Horton, who turns 24 on Wednesday, was the No. 7 overall pick by the Cubs back in 2022 out of Oklahoma. In 16 games (15 starts) this season, he’s 7-3 with a 3.07 ERA, 3.74 FIP, and 67 strikeouts across 85 innings. He’s been great since the All-Star break, allowing just one earned run across 28 1/3 innings over five starts (0.32 ERA) with 24 strikeouts, as the Cubs have gone 4-1 in those games.
In roster moves ahead of the series opener, the Brewers have reinstated OF Isaac Collins from the paternity list, with infielder Tyler Black optioned back to Triple-A Nashville. Right-hander Chad Patrick was also added as the 27th man for the doubleheader, all but guaranteeing he will be the starting pitcher in game two this evening.
Brice Turang bats leadoff this afternoon, followed by Caleb Durbin, William Contreras at DH, and Christian Yelich. Andrew Vaughn, Blake Perkins, Sal Frelick, Danny Jansen, and Joey Ortiz round out the bottom of the order.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network. For those of you out of market, you can also watch this one on MLB Network and MLB.TV.
