Quinn Priester takes the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers today as they face the Chicago Cubs in the final game of their five-game series at Wrigley Field. The right-hander brings an impressive 11-2 record with a 3.48 ERA into this National League Central matchup.
Priester's underlying metrics tell a compelling story about his effectiveness this season. He ranks in the top half of the league in xERA, walk rate, and barrel rate – all indicators that his success isn't just luck.
Shota Imanaga will counter for the "Cubs" with equally impressive credentials. The Japanese left-hander sports an 8-5 record with a stellar 3.06 ERA and 0.95 WHIP this season.
Worth noting – Imanaga has excelled at making batters swing and miss, ranking in the 84th percentile in chase rate. This skill has translated to results, with the southpaw recording five or more strikeouts in each of his last four starts.
Both pitchers have history against their opponents. Priester allowed just two runs in nearly six innings during their previous meeting, while Imanaga has surrendered three or fewer runs against the Brewers in each of their past two encounters.
The oddsmakers see Chicago as the favorite at -141, with the total set at seven runs. Interestingly, three of the first four games in this series have featured seven or fewer total runs.
Do we have all the ingredients for a classic pitchers' duel at the Friendly Confines? The stats certainly suggest so.
