The Chicago Cubs are set to conclude their three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. As the Cubs chase the final wildcard spot in the National League playoffs, they currently sit in second place in the NL Central Division. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have successfully maintained their lead over the Padres and Diamondbacks in the NL West and are vying for a top-two seed in the upcoming NL Playoffs. The pitching duel will feature Cubs’ left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks (2-3, 4.03 ERA) facing Dodgers’ right-hander Bobby Miller (2-4, 7.79 ERA). Fans can expect the first pitch at 9:45 PM EST.
Cubs Aim for Victory with Wicks on the Mound
The Chicago Cubs are determined to remain in the NL playoff conversation as they approach the final stretch of their season. With 18 games remaining, they entered Tuesday’s matchup against the Dodgers with a recent victory of 10-4, highlighted by an impressive performance from former Dodger Clay Bellinger, who hit a home run and drove in three runs. The Cubs have now secured two consecutive wins and three out of their last five contests.
*This article was prepared prior to the completion of Tuesday’s game.*
The Cubs know they must keep winning series to solidify their playoff chances, and Jordan Wicks will take the mound in pursuit of that goal. With a record of 2-3 and an ERA of 4.03, Wicks has made eight appearances this season, including one quality start. He has allowed 40 hits over 38 innings and given up two home runs. Thus far, he has struck out 36 batters while walking 14. In his most recent outing against the Yankees, he pitched five innings, allowing five hits and three runs.
Key Injuries: RP Luke Little, RP Adbert Alzolay, SP Caleb Kilian, RP Colten Brewer, and SP Ben Brown are sidelined.
Dodgers Look to Turn Things Around with Miller
The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of clinching another NL West Division title. With a six-game lead in the loss column over the Padres and just 18 games left in the season, they faced the Cubs after a disappointing 10-4 loss. This defeat has been a setback, as they have now lost three of their last five games.
*This article was prepared prior to the completion of Tuesday’s game.*
For the series finale, the Dodgers will rely on Bobby Miller, who has struggled this season with a 2-4 record and an elevated ERA of 7.79. Over 49.2 innings, he has given up 57 hits and an alarming 15 home runs. Miller’s command has been an issue, as he has walked 25 batters while striking out 48. His last outing against the Angels ended in a rough 10-1 loss, where he pitched five innings, allowing seven runs on five hits.
Predictions for Cubs vs. Dodgers Showdown
Considering the matchup between the two struggling pitchers, the Dodgers seem to have the upper hand in this series finale. Their lineup is notably more potent than the Cubs, which could exploit Wicks, who has allowed more hits than innings pitched this season. While Miller has also faced difficulties, the Cubs are likely to find some success against him. The game could turn into a battle of bullpens, where the Dodgers hold a slight advantage with the fourth-best bullpen ERA in the league. With the Dodgers ranked third in overall scoring and the Cubs in thirteenth, the depth of the Dodgers’ lineup may lead them to victory as they seek to end the series on a high note.
