The third game of an exciting interleague series will unfold at Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon. Starting at 2:20 p.m. EST, the Detroit Tigers (61-65; 30-33 away) will face off against the Chicago Cubs (62-64; 35-28 home). The series kicked off with a 3-1 victory for the Cubs, marking their fourth win in the last five matchups against the Tigers. Will Detroit manage to secure a win before heading out of the Windy City?
Tigers on the Brink of .500
Despite Tuesday’s setback, the Tigers have claimed six victories in their last eight outings. While postseason dreams appear distant, Detroit is determined to play with heart as the season winds down. The team’s offensive struggles are evident, averaging only 4.12 runs per game, placing them 23rd in the league. They find themselves among the bottom tier in many statistical categories. The Tigers rank 25th in batting average, 28th in on-base percentage (OBP), and 22nd in slugging percentage. Furthermore, they sit 21st in strikeout rates, 23rd in home runs, 24th in walks, and 25th in stolen bases. In a bid for improvement, Detroit is giving younger players a chance to prove their worth as the season reaches its final stretch.
However, pitching has been the anchor of the Tigers’ recent success. They have managed to hold their opponents to three runs or fewer over the last seven games. Historically, the starting rotation has been a challenge, especially since the trade deadline adjustments. To add to the uncertainty, Wednesday’s starting pitcher remains undecided. Whoever takes the mound will need to perform well in front of a bullpen currently rated 13th in earned run average (ERA), 18th in fielding independent pitching (FIP), and 24th in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). If the bullpen faces a long day, can they endure?
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Cubs Eyeing a Wild-Card Chance
The Cubs are also facing a significant gap in their standings, but they are eyeing a wild-card spot. After winning three of their last four games, they will rely on left-handed pitcher Justin Steele for Wednesday’s matchup. In August, Steele has thrown 14.2 innings, recording 17 strikeouts while allowing three runs (two earned). His season stats showcase a 3.10 ERA, 3.23 FIP, and a 1.095 WHIP. The Cubs’ relievers have performed well, ranking eighth in both ERA and FIP after Tuesday’s victory. Will they once again contain the Tigers’ lineup?
Similar to Detroit, the Cubs are striving for offensive consistency. They rank 20th in scoring, averaging 4.17 runs per game. While Chicago ranks fifth in stolen-base percentage, sixth in walk rate, and eighth in total stolen bases, their power numbers tell a different story. With only 130 home runs, they sit at 22nd in the league. Their batting average is 24th, OBP is 17th, and slugging percentage is 21st. The team’s strikeout rate of 22.9% places them 18th among MLB teams. Of their last six games, they have exceeded three runs only once. Can this offense finally break out?
Key Bets for Tigers vs. Cubs
Chicago has consistently performed well at home, despite the overall struggles of their season. With Justin Steele starting, boasting a remarkable 1.23 ERA in August, the Cubs enter this game with strong winning prospects. Facing a Tigers offense that has shown vulnerability, particularly on the road with a .660 OPS, the Cubs are positioned for success.
Expect the Tigers’ bullpen, which has not excelled in securing strikeouts, to face a barrage of opportunities from the Cubs. In a game where scoring three or four runs could suffice, backing the Cubs on the run line appears to be a solid choice.
