:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72130621/1430202304.0.jpg "Brewers-Cubs prediction: Picks, odds on Thursday, March 30 MLB Opening Day")
The Milwaukee Brewers will begin the 2023 season by taking on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game set. The first game will be Thursday, March 30 followed by an off day on Friday. First pitch for Thursday's game is set for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Milwaukee will send ace Corbin Burnes to the mound while Chicago counters with Marcus Stroman.
The Brewers are the -140 moneyline favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Cubs are the +120 underdog. The run total for this game is set at 6.5.
Brewers-Cubs picks: Thursday, March 30
Milwaukee
Out: SP Adrian Houser, SP Aaron Ashby, RP Justin Wilson and CF Tyrone Taylor
Chicago
Out: SS Ed Howard, RP Jordan Holloway, RP Codi Heuer
Corbin Burnes vs. Marcus Stroman
Burnes has faced the Cubs 14 times in his career dating back to 2018. Overall, he has amassed a 2-2 record with a 3.16 ERA against Chicago. Over his last six starts, Burnes has gone 2-1 while striking out 60 batters in 39 innings.
Stroman has faced the Brew Crew three times as a member of the Cubs, all last season. In that span, he put together a 1-0 record allowing three earned runs in 19.2 innings while striking out 13.
Chicago made some interesting additions this offseason. Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer bring a veteran presence to their lineup. Burnes will have his work cut out for him. He typically has a high strikeout total and keeps the ball in the park. Stroman has been more varied but pitches well against the Brewers. Despite the above-average pitchers on the mound, these lineups should be able to score some runs.
Pick: Over 6.5
Burnes won the NL Cy Young in 2021 and was a finalist in 2022. He has struck out at least 10 hitters in five of his last six appearances against Chicago. There are only a handful of pitchers that have a better chance of getting you a win on the mound, so if Burnes can get some run support, the Brew Crew should start its season with a win.
Pick: Brewers