Opening Day: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs: July 24th, first pitch at 6:10 PM CST
Projected Starters: Brandon Woodruff (MIL) vs. Jon Lester (CHC)
It’s hard not to be a homer for the Brewers, but I see them starting the first game strong. I predict a solid game from Christian Yelich, a great game from Keston Hiura and a monster debut for Justin Smoak at 1B. The Brewers have something to prove, especially since you know they saw the recent projected 2020 Power Rankings. The Cubs are in the number 10 spot, and it should have been the Brewers instead.
The Brewers have made the postseason the last two seasons, the Chicago Cubs have not. The Brewers were very active in free agency, the Chicago Cubs were not. I understand the Cubs didn’t have a lot of payroll to work with. Case in point, the Brewers have Eric Sogard because the Cubs thought he was reportedly “too expensive.” Nerd Power has returned.
The Brewers are going to be hungry for a win, especially against the Cubs and at Wrigley.
I see a lights out year for Brandon Woodruff. The dude is an All-Star, and will continue his climb to being an Ace in Major League Baseball. I think he will pitch a gem. Hader will close it out.
The Milwaukee Brewers win on Opening Day 2020.
Record 1-0
Game 2: July 25th, first pitch at 12:05 PM CST/Game 3: July 26th, first pitch at 1:20 PM CST
Projected Starters: Adrian Houser (MIL) vs. Yu Darvish (CHC)/Brett Anderson (MIL) vs. Kyle Hendricks (CHC)
As much of a homer as I am, the Chicago Cubs are not a bad baseball team. Cole Hamels was wrong when he said the Brewers and the Cubs don’t have a rivalry, they do. I sit on the edge of my seat for every Cubs/Brewers. They always seem to get things done in close games even though there is no way they should.
Darvish has something to prove this year. Hendricks is a good pitcher. I predict some possible rocky first starts from Houser and Anderson, or maybe even a poor bullpen performance from the Brewers bullpen.
Ryan Braun and Avisail Garcia have great games, but it isn’t enough to bring the Brewers a victory either night.
I believe the Milwaukee Brewers will lose Game 2 and Game 3. No one said this season would be easy.
Record 1-2
Game 4/5/6: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: July 27th-29th, all first pitches at 6:05 PM CST
Projected Starters: Josh Lindblom (MIL) vs. Mitch Keller (PIT)/Eric Lauer (MIL) vs. Derek Holland (PIT)/ Brandon Woodruff or Wildcard 6th Starter (MIL) vs. Joe Musgrove (PIT).
The Milwaukee Brewer SHOULD settle into a normal pitching rotation, but that usually doesn’t happen with Craig Counsell. I love it. As much as I would like Brandon Woodruff pitching that day, I can also see Freddy Peralta or someone else taking the mound.
I know the Milwaukee Brewers will lose to the Pittsburgh Pirates at some point this season. It might happen in the late August series, but I don’t think it will happen the first week. To be honest, the Pittsburgh Pirates are a mess and definitely re-building. Coming off of a tough Cubs series, the Brewers will be looking for wins and momentum and will take all three games.
As it is right now, the Pirates’ rotation and line up does not scare me.
Lindblom and Lauer will have strong debuts, and the Crew’s offense will start to click. Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain both have an explosive series. Orlando Arcia hits a homer in one game and a triple in another.
I predict one save from Hader, but the other two being blowouts or non-save situations. Corbin Burnes and Brent Suter will get a lot of mound time during this series. Do you enjoy Alex Claudio? Well you will get to see him! The Brewers sweep the Pirates.
Record: 4-2
Game 7: Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals: July 31st, first pitch at 1:10. (Note to self, try to take off work for this Friday day game)
Projected Starters: Adrian Houser or Woodruff (MIL) vs. Dakota Hudson (STL)
At first, I had this as a loss. The Cardinals are also a good baseball team. The NL Central is going to be a bloodbath this season. But this is the Milwaukee Brewers’ first home game. Hey MLB, thanks for an opening week of road games…
The Brewers will be coming off a travel day and will be re-charged. Christian Yelich will have two home runs, and Brent Suter will pitch a gem of relief innings. Corey Knebel will also pitch lights out. The Brewers might very well lose the other games of this series, but I think they will pull off a win to wrap up their first week.
Record: 5-2.
While we are at it, let’s predict the whole season.
The Milwaukee Brewers will be 39-21 and will be playoff bound one way or another.
Make a note to yourself and feel free to destroy me on social media if I am completely off. What are your predictions for Week 1?
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @BrewersRaptor and follow us @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin Sports, click here.
