The Milwaukee Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds on April 3, 2025 to open up a four-game series. First pitch from American Family Field is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on FDSWI.
The Reds will look to snap a scoreless drought tonight and I'll be backing Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, along with Jackson Chourio of the Brewers.
Find my MLB betting preview and Reds vs Brewers prediction, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends, injury reports and more, below.
My Reds vs Brewers Prediction
- Reds vs Brewers picks: Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Jackson Chourio One Hit Parlay (+200)
My Reds vs Brewers best bet is on McLain, De La Cruz and Chourio to each get a hit. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Reds vs Brewers Odds, Spread, Prediction, Best Bet
| Reds Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +155 | 8 -110o / -110u | +100 |
| Brewers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -188 | 8 -110o / -110u | -118 |
- Reds vs Brewers Moneyline: Reds +100, Brewers -118
- Reds vs Brewers Total: 8 (-110o / -110u)
- Reds vs Brewers Spread: Reds -1.5 (+155), Brewers +1.5 (-188)
- Reds vs Brewers Best Bet: Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Jackson Chourio One Hit Parlay (+200)
Alex Hinton’s Reds vs Brewers Preview
Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview: McLain and De La Cruz to Back Lodolo
The Brewers have won the NL Central in each of the past two seasons and in three of the past four years. After Terry Francona's hiring, the Reds were seen as a dark horse to snatch away the division crown. However, if they are going to fulfill that promise, they will need more offensive production.
Cincinnati scored 14 runs on Monday against the Rangers. However, it has been held to three runs or fewer in four of its first six games and enters tonight's game without scoring a run in its past 19 innings.
The Reds have a talented young duo up the middle with Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. McLain has four extra-base hits (three home runs) and a .976 OPS through his first six games, while De La Cruz is slashing .333/.360/1.027 with two doubles, two home runs and two stolen bases. Together, they have driven in 13 of Cincinnati's 24 runs this season.
There is a lot to like about Cincinnati's starting pitching, and that showed its first time through the rotation. In his first start, Nick Lodolo went six innings and allowed two earned runs while scattering five hits. He only struck out one, which is a surprise considering his career 10.5 K/9. However, he has 25 strikeouts in 24 career innings against the Brewers.
Milwaukee Brewers Betting Preview: Cortes To Settle In
For the Milwaukee Brewers, starting pitching has been a strength over the past several years. Freddy Peralta has emerged as the staff's ace and is off to a strong start with a 2.08 ERA and 16 strikeouts over 13 innings. However, with nine of their top 15 pitchers out to begin the year, some struggles were expected, although perhaps not to this extent.
The Brewers started the season 0-4 and allowed 47 runs over that stretch. They have rebounded in their last two games, surrendering just two runs. Peralta worked eight innings yesterday — his longest outing since 2019 — while surrendering just one earned run on two hits. However, the Brewers have a 9.67 ERA in the 40 innings that Peralta hasn't pitched this season.
Nestor Cortes was acquired in an offseason trade with the Yankees for All-Star closer Devin Williams. However, his first start against his former team did not go well — he lasted just two innings and gave up eight earned runs on six hits and five home runs. He will look to bounce back in his new home.
Cortes has made just one career start against the Reds and allowed one earned run on four hits with four strikeouts in seven innings. He may face his former catcher, Jose Trevino, who is 0-for-3 with one strikeout against him. Trevino isn't known for his bat, but he will be able to give his teammates a stronger scouting report on Cortes than anyone.
Early run support may help Cortes settle in, and Jackson Chourio may provide it. Since starting the season 0-for-5 with a platinum sombrero, Chourio is 8-for-23 (.348) with four extra-base hits and four runs batted in.
Reds vs Brewers Prediction, Betting Analysis
With the struggling Reds bats and Brewers struggling pitching staff, something will have to give, making this a difficult game to handicap. Instead, I will be backing the three young stars in this game to reach base safely.
McLain has a hit in four of his first six games this season. He has yet to face Cortes, but hit .326 against left-handed pitching in 2023. De La Cruz has a hit in five of his first six games. He has not done as well against left-handers. However, if Cortes continues to struggle, he will not be in long, particularly with the Brewers having a relatively fresh bullpen.
In his rookie campaign, Chourio had a .696 OPS against left-handers, but still hit .267 against them. Thus far, he is hitting .312 with a .938 OPS against left-handers and hit his first home run against Royals ace Cole Ragans yesterday. I like his chances of extending his hitting streak to six to complete this parlay.
Pick: Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Jackson Chourio One Hit Parlay (+200)
Reds vs Brewers Parlay
- Matt McLain 1+ Hit
- Elly De La Cruz 1+ Hit
- Jackson Chourio 1+ Hit
Parlay odds: +200 (BetMGM)
Reds vs Brewers Betting Trends
Reds vs Brewers starts at 7:40 p.m. EDT on Thursday, live from American Family Field. The game will be broadcast on FDSWI.
