A pair of National League teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers, are set to face off in an exciting early week series in Los Angeles. The Cubs are coming off a challenging three-game series at home against the Yankees, hoping to turn things around after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the middle game. Meanwhile, the Dodgers recently claimed victory over the Guardians with a decisive 7-2 win. Earlier this season, the Cubs managed to take two out of three games from the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. This article provides a snapshot of both teams’ current form leading into the series opener on Monday night.
Cubs Aim to Recover from Recent Struggles
The Cubs are looking to bounce back after a rough stretch, having lost four out of their last five games. Their last outing against the Yankees saw them struggle offensively, finishing with only four hits and failing to capitalize on their opportunity with runners in scoring position. As they entered Sunday with a record of 72-70, they remain tied for second in the NL Central and are six games behind the Mets for the final wild card spot in the playoffs. Javier Assad was on the mound during their loss, allowing two runs over 5.2 innings of work.
Kyle Hendricks is set to take the mound for the Cubs in this matchup, marking his 26th appearance of the season. With a record of 3-11 and a 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has struggled, especially in his last three starts where he posted an alarming 8.74 ERA. He has faced the Dodgers seven times in his career, holding a 3-3 record against them with a 5.68 ERA. In his previous starts at Dodger Stadium, he has had difficulty, accumulating a 7.71 ERA over three games.
Dodgers Pursuing Supremacy in the National League
The Dodgers have been on a roll, snapping a two-game losing streak with their recent victory against the Guardians. As of Sunday, they held an impressive 85-57 record, placing them firmly in control of the NL West, five games ahead of the Padres. They are also tied with the Phillies for the best record in the National League. In their recent game, the Dodgers showcased their powerful lineup, with Mookie Betts and Andy Pages each hitting home runs, contributing to a strong offensive performance.
Walker Buehler will be the starting pitcher for Los Angeles. He enters the game with a record of 1-4 and a 5.67 ERA this season. Buehler didn’t earn a decision in his last outing against the Angels, where he pitched five innings and allowed two runs. In his previous three games, he has shown improvement with a 4.61 ERA. Against the Cubs, Buehler holds a solid 1.01 WHIP and has struck out 27 batters over 32.2 innings in his career matchups.
Strategic Insights for Cubs vs. Dodgers
The Cubs entered this series with a mix of recent struggles and past successes, particularly during August. However, their offensive inconsistency has raised concerns, especially in clutch situations. With Kyle Hendricks struggling on the mound, the Cubs face an uphill battle against the potent Dodgers’ lineup. Buehler, while not at his peak performance, could capitalize on the Cubs’ weaknesses. Given the Dodgers’ depth in batting and home-field advantage, they are favored to secure a victory in this matchup.
