Cubs vs. Brewers prediction and odds for Wednesday, July 5 (Steele gives Chicago edge)

The Cubs and Brewers have played a thrilling two games to start this four game series, can we expect another tight one on Wednesday?

Chicago will send out starter Justin Steele, who if not for an injury last month would be firmly in the NL Cy Young conversation. He faces a Brewers team that struggles against left handed pitching. Will the Cubs be able to take care of business?

Here are the odds and our best bet for Wednesday's matchup:

Cubs vs. Brewers odds, run line and total

Cubs vs. Brewers prediction and pick

Chicago is rightful road favorites given Steele's excellence on the mound and the Brewers futility at the dish against lefty pitching. Steele has a 2.43 ERA this season while showcasing far improved control, his walk rate is down nearly two per nine and has an incredibly low 4% walk rate.

Since a brief stint on the injured list, Steele has pitched over 17 innings and allowed only three earned runs, including his most recent start in which he pitched six-plus innings of three hit baseball against the Guardians. Now, he gets to face a dismal Brewers lineup against lefties.

Milwaukee is hitting .218 against southpaws this season, the worst mark in the big leagues.

Given that the Brewers will struggle to plate runs against Steele, the Cubs need to give its start a little bit of run support, and I'll trust the offense against Milwaukee's starter Adrian Houser, who is allowing nearly 11 hits per nine innings and has an xERA over 4.00 this season.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.