The Chicago Cubs will go head-to-head against the Colorado Rockies in a matchup where both teams aim to finish off their challenging seasons positively. The Cubs hold a 75-72 record, placing them second in the National League Central Division, yet they find themselves five games back from a wild card position. Meanwhile, the Rockies languish at the bottom of the National League West with a record of 56-92. In this upcoming game, the Cubs will rely on Jameson Taillon as their starting pitcher, who has impressively allowed just five runs across his last three outings. The Rockies, on the other hand, will send Kyle Freeland to the mound, who has only given up three runs in his previous three starts.
Cubs Hope for Taillon and Offense to Shine
The Cubs are facing a tough season but remain determined to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jameson Taillon is set to start and is looking to cap off a solid season, having allowed just 65 runs over 146.1 innings pitched while recording 113 strikeouts. With a 4.6 walk rate and a 3.82 expected ERA, he has been effective in limiting hard contact and runs against him.
While Taillon has been a significant contributor, the Cubs’ offense has been their backbone, averaging 4.57 runs per game. Seiya Suzuki boasts a slash line of .274/.352/.481 along with 20 home runs and 223 total bases, while Ian Happ is hitting .243/.341/.452 with 23 home runs and 231 total bases. Other key players like Michael Busch, Cody Bellinger, and Mike Tauchman have also added depth to the lineup, making the Cubs a formidable opponent at the plate.
Rockies Aim to Rebound with Freeland on the Mound
This season has been disappointing for the Rockies, and they appear destined to finish with one of the worst records in the National League. Kyle Freeland has shown signs of improvement lately but has still allowed 60 runs over 96 innings pitched. With a .275 expected opponent batting average and a 4.48 expected ERA, he faces challenges in keeping opponents at bay.
Freeland’s struggles on the mound mirror those of the Rockies’ offense, which averages only 4.17 runs per game. Brenton Doyle has put together a respectable .266/.325/.459 line with 22 home runs, while Michael Toglia has a .217/.305/.465 line with 23 home runs. However, the rest of the batting order has faltered, with only three players achieving an OPS+ over 100. This inconsistency has allowed opposing pitchers to dominate the Rockies at the plate.
Predictions for Cubs vs. Rockies
The Rockies will strive to improve their home performance, but the Cubs are determined to push for a postseason spot. With their average of 4.57 runs per game, the Cubs are expected to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, relying on standout players like Cody Bellinger and Ian Happ to deliver. Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon’s ability to pitch well should limit the Rockies’ scoring chances, allowing the Cubs to secure a victory on the road.
