The battle for first place in the NL Central heats up Monday night as the Chicago Cubs visit the Milwaukee Brewers to open a three-game series. Here’s our prediction for the Cubs vs Brewers game. With both teams locked at 62-43, this game could help shape the playoff picture heading into August. Let’s break down both sides and deliver our Cubs vs Brewers prediction. Betting Preview for Cubs vs Brewers Betting on the Chicago Cubs Chicago bounced back after dropping the first game to the White Sox and wrapped up the series with two straight wins. The Cubs’ offense has been consistent all season and their ability to produce in key moments gives them an edge. Boyd has been one of the better stories on the mound this year, already surpassing his career-best win total. With a solid bullpen and clutch bats like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, Chicago is a dangerous team on the road. Betting on the Milwaukee Brewers The Brewers managed to avoid a sweep at the hands of Miami with a thrilling walk-off win on Sunday. Their offense has been timely but inconsistent, and while Misiorowski has shown promise, he’s approaching his innings limit with 92.2 IP combined across levels this year. That could mean a shorter leash in this outing. Milwaukee has home-field advantage, but they’ll need better production with runners in scoring position (just 2-for-9 last game). MatchPlug Prediction for Cubs vs Brewers Both teams are talented and hungry to take sole possession of first place. While Milwaukee has the energy from their dramatic win, the Cubs have more balance and a proven arm in Boyd, who’s been excellent this year. With Chicago’s offense firing and the Brewers dealing with a possible innings cap for Misiorowski, the edge goes to the visitors. Final Prediction: Cubs Over/Under

It’s a big-time American League matchup between playoff hopefuls on Monday, July 28, as the Boston Red Sox visit the Minnesota Twins. Here’s our prediction for the Red Sox vs Twins game. The Red Sox currently hold a wild card spot while the Twins are fighting to stay in the mix. Both teams have reasons to win, but only one can grab the momentum in this series opener. Betting Preview for Red Sox vs Twins Betting on the Boston Red Sox Boston is 57-50 this season and in the second AL wild card spot. They’ve won four of their last seven and are coming off a 2-1 series win over the Dodgers. Richard Fitts will start for Boston. He’s 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA, and the Red Sox are just 2-7 in games he starts. Fitts allowed four runs in his last outing and has struggled to give the team strong innings. Boston hits .251 overall but just .237 on the road. They have been more effective against AL Central teams, hitting .265 in those matchups. Betting on the Minnesota Twins The Twins are 50-55 and still in the hunt for a wild card, sitting 5.5 games back. They play better at home with a 29-22 record. Simeon Woods Richardson starts for Minnesota. He’s 5-4 with a 4.14 ERA overall, but shines at home with a 3.12 ERA. The Twins are 9-7 in his starts. At the plate, Minnesota has been decent at home, hitting .252, and has shown slightly better form in July. Their bats may not be explosive, but they’ve been enough to win games behind solid pitching. MatchPlug Prediction for Red Sox vs Twins Minnesota’s home form and Woods Richardson’s strong performances at Target Field give them a clear edge. Boston struggles when Richard Fitts starts, and their road offense isn’t reliable. If the Twins can score early and hold the lead, they should take this one comfortably. Final Prediction: Twins Over/Under

Two AL East rivals meet Monday night at Camden Yards as the surging Toronto Blue Jays take on the slumping Baltimore Orioles. Here’s our preview for the Blue Jays vs Orioles game. With Toronto sitting atop the MLB standings and Baltimore falling out of contention, this matchup could be lopsided, but division games always bring surprises. First pitch from Oriole Park is at 23:35 p.m. If you want the Blue Jays vs. Orioles prediction, read on for Matchplug’s prediction. Betting Preview for Blue Jays vs Orioles Betting on the Toronto Blue Jays Toronto continues to outperform expectations and has quietly built the best record in baseball. The offense, led by Bo Bichette, Vlad Jr., and George Springer, gives pitchers plenty of cushion. Bassitt is coming off a strong outing against the Yankees (8 K, 3 H, 3 ER in 7.1 IP), and while his road ERA (5.66) is concerning, he’s backed by a top-tier bullpen and explosive lineup. Betting on the Baltimore Orioles The Orioles are struggling on both sides of the ball. Eflin has failed to find consistency this season and will face a hot Blue Jays lineup. Baltimore’s offensive production has also dipped, just 4.2 runs per game, and the team ERA is nearing 5.00. Injuries to key starters have hurt, and the club seems poised for a disappointing finish unless something drastic changes. MatchPlug Prediction for Blue Jays vs Orioles Toronto is in great form, with elite pitching and a powerful top of the order. Bassitt may not be elite on the road, but he doesn’t need to be perfect against an Orioles squad that has lost momentum. With Eflin’s poor numbers and Baltimore’s downward spiral, the Blue Jays should control Game 1. Final Prediction: Blue Jays Over/Under