Cubs vs. Brewers – Series Preview (Apr 17-19): TV and Game Info, Pitching Matchups, Insights
Arrr…Shiver me timbers! After winning the first three series of the season, the Cubs got swept by the Pirates this weekend and it was not pretty – at all. They’ll look to bounce back against a Brewers squad that is actually a half game up on the Cubs in the standings. And this time the Cubs fans filling the stands will actually be there for the home team.
Chicago’s starting pitchers have kept them in games but between lack of offense and bullpen woes, they’ve lost a few they shouldn’t have. Brewers pitchers, on the other hand, have combined for 3.97 walks per game (third-worst in NL) and only 7.63 strikeouts per 9 innings (fourth-lowest in NL). Might be the perfect combination for a patient Cubs team that needs to start driving in more of the runners they get on base.
Chase Anderson has a really nice ERA, but he looks like a prime candidate for the regression monster when he opens the series for the Brewers. Then it’s double vision time as burly, bearded Brewer Jimmy Nelson takes on burly, bearded Brett Anderson Tuesday in a rematch of their pitchers’ duel on April 7. Tommy Milone and Kyle Hendricks oppose each other for the second time in the finale.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, April 17 at 7:05 CT on CSN-CSN+
- Tuesday, April 18 at 7:05 CT on WGN
- Wednesday, April 19 at 1:20 CT on WGN, MLBN (out of market only)
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | K/BB |
| 4/17 | John Lackey | 38 | R | 3.00 | 1-1 | 3.40 |
| Chase Anderson | 29 | R | 0.69 | 1-0 | 2.75 | |
| 4/18 | Brett Anderson | 29 | L | 0.84 | 1-0 | 1.20 |
| Jimmy Nelson | 27 | R | 1.38 | 1-0 | 6.50 | |
| 4/19 | Kyle Hendricks | 27 | R | 5.73 | 1-1 | 3.00 |
| Tommy Milone | 30 | L | 7.36 | 1-0 | 7.00 |
What To Watch For
- Milone was touched up for 4 earned runs the last time he faced the Cubs and gave up a pair of homers to the Reds in his most recent start. That could mean a really good start is in the offing, or it could mean the Cubs will be really fun to watch come Wednesday.
- Kris Bryant’s “slow start” had many people freaking out. However, in typical Kris Bryant fashion, he had two home runs in the first game against the Pirates. Look for him to continue getting those MVP numbers back to normal.
- Cubs executing with runners in scoring position. There was no lack of scoring chances against the Pirates and the Cubs have been able to string hits together and find ways to get on base. Offensive breakthroughs will come soon enough.