Teams trending in opposite directions clashed in an interleague showdown as the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon.
The Blue Jays have been on a winning streak, securing three consecutive victories. In contrast, the Cubs are hoping to halt a losing skid that has seen them drop three in a row. Currently positioned fifth in the American League East, the Blue Jays (57-64) have managed to win six of their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Cubs (59-63) occupy the fourth spot in the National League Central and sport a 26-28 record in daytime games.
Historic and Recent Performance
The Blue Jays hold a slight edge in the all-time series against the Cubs, leading 11-10. However, the Cubs have proven formidable at home, boasting a 4-2 advantage in games played at Wrigley Field. The first pitch at Wrigley Field was scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, with Chicago listed as a -114 favorite on the money line. The over/under for total runs stood at 10, according to the latest odds.
For this matchup, Chicago is expected to send right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) to the mound. Despite a challenging season, Hendricks has shown signs of improvement, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. His most recent outing was a solid six-inning performance in a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, where he allowed five hits, two earned runs, walked one, and struck out five. Notably, on July 12, Hendricks delivered a stellar seven shutout innings in a 5-1 victory against St. Louis, yielding just five hits and one walk while striking out three.
Offensive Contributions and Key Players
One of Chicago’s offensive anchors, center fielder Cody Bellinger, has been a consistent performer this season. Over 92 games, Bellinger has compiled a .276 batting average with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBIs. His recent form has been impressive; he went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored in a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9. Bellinger has continued to deliver at the plate, securing hits in seven of the past ten games. Against Toronto, Bellinger has performed well in his career, batting .318 with three doubles, one home run, and six RBIs in six games.
The Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). Rodriguez, in 12 starts this season, has pitched 50 innings, giving up 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out 52 batters. Despite his strong performance, Rodriguez faced a tough loss in his last appearance, a 1-0 defeat to the Oakland Athletics. In that game, he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five hits, one earned run, and one walk, while striking out five.
Toronto’s batting lineup features standout first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been pivotal to their offensive successes. Guerrero Jr., through 120 games, has maintained a .323 batting average, including 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBIs. His recent exploits include a 6-for-14 performance with two home runs and four RBIs in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Additionally, Guerrero Jr. showcased his prowess in a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, contributing three hits, including a double, triple, and home run, along with four RBIs.
A Promising Encounter
This matchup promises an intriguing battle as both teams seek to enhance their standings. Toronto will look to capitalize on their recent winning momentum, while Chicago aims to rebound from their recent struggles. With key players like Hendricks and Bellinger for the Cubs, and Rodriguez and Guerrero Jr. for the Blue Jays, fans can expect a captivating contest filled with competitive spirit on display at Wrigley Field.