Two teams trending in opposite directions meet this Friday afternoon in an intriguing interleague matchup as the Toronto Blue Jays face off against the Chicago Cubs. The game, set to take place at Chicago's iconic Wrigley Field, will see first pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET.
The Blue Jays, currently fifth in the American League East, have been riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins. With a recent record of six victories in their last ten games, Toronto appears to be finding its stride late in the season. Conversely, the Chicago Cubs, sitting fourth in the National League Central, have hit a rough patch, having lost their last three outings. Their daytime performance also remains lukewarm, with a record of 26-28 during the day.
Historical Context
The history between these two teams is evenly balanced, with Toronto holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 11-10. However, the Cubs maintain an advantage when games are played at Wrigley Field, boasting a 4-2 record. This adds an interesting layer to Friday's game, putting pressure on both teams to tip the scales further in their favor.
Betting Odds and Projections
Chicago enters the game as a slight -114 favorite on the money line. The over/under for the total number of runs expected stands at 10, indicating that this could be a high-scoring affair. The SportsLine Projection Model adds further intrigue, simulating every MLB game 10,000 times, and it's currently on an impressive 25-13 run on top-rated run-line picks dating back to last season.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound for Chicago will be right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Despite a challenging 3-10 record and a 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has shown flashes of brilliance, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his most recent outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks pitched six innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs while striking out five. He demonstrated his capabilities further in a 5-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched seven shutout innings.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, who holds a 1-5 record with a 3.60 ERA this season. While Rodriguez has not had the best of luck in terms of wins, his performance on the mound has been strong. In his last appearance, a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, Rodriguez pitched 5.2 innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out five. His statistical line this season includes 50 innings pitched with 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 52 strikeouts.
Key Players to Watch
For the Cubs, center fielder Cody Bellinger stands out. In 92 games this season, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBIs. He has been particularly hot at the plate recently, with hits in seven of the past ten games. In a recent 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox, Bellinger went 3-for-4, hitting a homer and driving in two runs.
On the Blue Jays' side, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a consistent force. The 25-year-old phenom is hitting .323 over 120 games, compiling 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. Guerrero Jr. had a standout series against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs. He also dazzled in a game against the Baltimore Orioles, recording a double, triple, and homer with four RBIs in a narrow 7-6 victory.
As the Blue Jays and Cubs prepare to clash, all eyes will be on whether Toronto can continue their winning streak or if Chicago will bounce back from their recent slump. Both teams have much to prove, with key players and pitchers aiming to make a significant impact on the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.