Left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga will take the mound Wednesday afternoon as the Chicago Cubs aim to prevent a series sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers. This pivotal game, part of a three-game set between division rivals, will pit Imanaga against Brewers’ right-hander Freddy Peralta.
Series Context and Current Standings
The Brewers have dominated the first two games, winning 8-4 on Monday and 9-3 on Tuesday, giving them a two-game lead over the Cubs in the National League Central standings. Milwaukee now sits 21 games above .500, their best margin of the season, reinforcing their strong position atop the division.
Tuesday’s victory was led by Andrew Vaughn, who slammed a grand slam and notched a personal best six RBIs. Meanwhile, Quinn Priester extended his winning streak to nine decisions by pitching 5 2/3 solid innings for the Brewers in that game.
Imanaga’s Road Back from Injury and Previous Struggles Against Brewers
Imanaga missed six weeks this season due to a left hamstring strain but has performed well since returning, going 4-2 in six starts. However, his previous outing was difficult, allowing seven runs on 12 hits, including three home runs, over just three innings against the Chicago White Sox, resulting in a 12-5 loss.
Imanaga is 0-2 in his career starts against Milwaukee, having surrendered nine runs over 10 innings. In fact, his last start versus the Brewers was a 4-0 loss to Peralta on May 4, where he gave up two runs in nearly six innings.
Team Health and Lineup Concerns Ahead of the Finale
Cubs left fielder Ian Happ left Tuesday’s game early after fouling a pitch off his shin and experiencing light-headedness, though X-rays showed no fractures. His availability for Wednesday remains uncertain, compounding pressure on the Cubs as they face elimination and prepare for a brief rest before their series against Baltimore.
Freddy Peralta’s Strong Form Against the Cubs
Freddy Peralta, who has an impressive 12-4 record and 2.81 ERA this season, is riding a seven-start unbeaten run and has not lost since June 3. Despite a recent no-decision in a 5-1 loss to Miami, he allowed only one run in five innings.
Peralta has dominated the Cubs historically, going 8-2 with a 3.07 ERA in 20 career games against them. This season, he is unbeaten in two starts versus Chicago, posting a 2.45 ERA and conceding just three earned runs across 11 innings.
Andrew Vaughn’s Impact Since Joining the Brewers
Acquired from the White Sox in mid-June in exchange for pitcher Aaron Civale, Andrew Vaughn has quickly become an offensive force for Milwaukee. Since his call-up from Triple-A Nashville earlier this month, Vaughn is hitting .375 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 15 games.
Before joining the Brewers, Vaughn tallied five homers and 19 RBIs in 48 games with Chicago’s AL rival. His swift adaptation and performance have added valuable depth to Milwaukee’s lineup.
“It’s a special group here right now,”
Vaughn said.
“We’re playing really good baseball. It’s fun to be a part of it. … Helping the team win any way I can, and winning’s fun. And we’ve been doing it a lot. So got to keep it going.”
—Andrew Vaughn, Milwaukee Brewers hitter
Injury Updates on Brewers’ Jackson Chourio
During Tuesday’s game, Jackson Chourio exited after a right hamstring spasm following a leadoff triple in the fifth inning. The Brewers have not yet provided updates on his condition, leaving some uncertainty in their lineup for the finale.
Implications of the Series Finale
With Shota Imanaga on the mound, the Cubs hope to halt Milwaukee’s momentum and avoid a devastating sweep that would deepen their deficit in the NL Central. Securing a win would also help maintain competitive morale as both teams look toward upcoming matchups.
Meanwhile, the Brewers aim to solidify their first-place standing and extend their season-high lead, relying on strong pitching and a potent offense. The result of this game could impact the tight divisional race as the season progresses.