Brewers and Cubs Clash in Key MLB Doubleheader Showdown
Major League Baseball action on August 18, 2025, centers around a crucial doubleheader between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs, two of the top contenders in the National League Central. As both teams continue their push for playoff spots, the Brewers aim to build on their league-best record, while the Cubs currently lead the National League wild card race.
Pitching Matchup: Brewers’ Ace vs. Rising Star
Game 1 features an intriguing pitching duel between Milwaukee’s ace, Freddy Peralta, and the Cubs’ promising right-hander, Cade Horton. Peralta boasts a 2.90 ERA and has led the Brewers to victory in 16 of his 25 starts this season. On the other hand, Horton, just 23 years old, holds a solid 3.07 ERA and has guided the Cubs to wins in four consecutive games.
This matchup is particularly significant as the Brewers are riding high after a remarkable 14-game winning streak, which was recently halted. Their performance on the road has been impressive, recording a 36-25 record away from home. While the Cubs are also in playoff contention, advanced metrics suggest they may struggle against Peralta. Horton’s expected ERA of 4.00 and expected batting average against of .248 fall short compared to Peralta’s 3.53 xERA and .222 xBAA.
Upsets and Opportunities in Other Matchups
In another compelling matchup, the Baltimore Orioles face off against the Boston Red Sox. The Orioles will send Trevor Rogers to the mound, who has emerged as a key player for Baltimore, recording a remarkable 1.43 ERA across 11 starts this season. Rogers has helped the Orioles to an 8-3 record during his outings. He will challenge Boston’s Dustin May, who has a 4.67 ERA but recently managed a strong performance against the Houston Astros.
Despite the Orioles not being a playoff team, Rogers’ ability to limit runs could lead to an upset against a Red Sox squad that has won only four of its last ten games. May’s overall struggles this season, indicated by a 1.35 WHIP and an expected ERA of 4.71, suggest that Baltimore might capitalize on this opportunity.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates will rely on Paul Skenes as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Skenes aims to bounce back from a disappointing previous outing where he allowed four runs. This season, he has only exceeded three earned runs in three of his 25 starts. The matchup against the Blue Jays presents a statistical anomaly, as Toronto ranks among the best in hitting the over at a 57.5 percent rate, while the Pirates are one of the leading under teams at 57.0 percent.
With a chance for Skenes to limit runs, bettors might consider the under on this game. On the other side, Toronto’s Kevin Gausman, with a 3.79 ERA, has been in good form, further complicating matters for the Pirates’ already struggling offense.
As the MLB season progresses, the implications of these games extend beyond mere statistics. Each matchup is pivotal for playoff positioning, making every pitch and swing crucial. For those looking to engage in betting, noted sportsbooks like DraftKings provide opportunities, although it’s essential to gamble responsibly.
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