Cubs vs. Brewers Prediction: Game 2 NLDS Preview

The Milwaukee Brewers are in control ahead of Game 2 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs at 9:08 p.m. ET on Monday at American Family Field on TBS.

The Brewers, the No. 1 seed in the National League, scored six runs in the first inning after a bye. They eventually rolled to a 9-3 victory over their NL Central foe.

Milwaukee will open with Aaron Ashby, who is 5-2 with a 2.16 ERA. Chicago will start Shōta Imanaga (9-8, 3.73 ERA) in Game 2.

Here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my Cubs vs. Brewers prediction ahead of Game 2:

Cubs vs. Brewers Odds for Game 2

• Cubs moneyline: +110
• Brewers moneyline: -130
• Total: 7.5

Cubs vs. Brewers Prediction for Game 2

According to the initial MLB betting lines, I like the over on Shōta Imanaga’s outs props (12.5) for my Cubs vs. Brewers prediction in Game 2 of the NLDS.

The broadcast alluded to it early in Saturday’s opener, but the Cubs’ bullpen was taxed after their 2-1 series win over the San Diego Padres. And then starter Matthew Boyd proceeded to record only two outs before handing the ball to relievers.

Despite an off day on Sunday, Chicago would prefer to get as many outs as possible from Imanaga. He hasn’t pitched since tossing four innings against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.

Imanaga needs at least one out in the fifth to clear this prop, though he did average 17.4 outs during the regular season. He closed the regular season with 11 straight starts of five or more innings.

While starting pitchers have a shorter leash in the playoffs, this line is a touch low, given the circumstances.

Ballpark Pal’s model projects 5.16 innings for Imanaga, so I’d like this prop at 13.5 or better.

Prediction: Shōta Imanaga over 12.5 outs (-106) – Pick made Sunday