Teams on contrasting trajectories are set to clash in an interleague matchup as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. The Blue Jays arrive in Chicago with a wave of momentum, having secured three consecutive victories. In stark contrast, the Cubs are seeking to snap a three-game losing skid.
Toronto boasts a record of 57-64, placing them fifth in the fiercely competitive American League East. Impressively, they have managed to win six of their last ten games, showcasing a resurgence that has provided a glimmer of hope for their playoff ambitions. Meanwhile, the Cubs sit fourth in the National League Central with a 59-63 record. Notably, their day-game performance stands at 26-28, a stat that underscores their inconsistency under the sun.
Historical Context and Odds
Throughout their history, the Blue Jays hold a slender lead in the all-time series between the two teams, standing at 11-10. However, the Cubs have enjoyed considerable success when playing at their home turf, Wrigley Field, where they maintain a 4-2 advantage in head-to-head matchups.
This afternoon’s game, set for a 2:20 p.m. ET first pitch at Wrigley Field, will see Chicago stepping in as a -114 favorite on the money line, according to the latest odds. The over/under for total runs scored is projected at 10, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound for Chicago is right-hander Kyle Hendricks, bearing a season record of 3-10 along with an ERA of 6.60. Despite these seemingly underwhelming numbers, Hendricks has demonstrated a recent spark of form by allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. His latest outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, saw him deliver six innings of solid work, conceding just two earned runs on five hits, while issuing one walk and fanning five batters. An earlier 5-1 victory over St. Louis saw him pitch seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits and a walk, while striking out three.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, who comes into this game with a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA. Over his 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has pitched 50 innings, giving up 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out an impressive 52 batters. His previous start ended in a tough-luck 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, where he pitched 5.2 innings and allowed just one earned run off five hits, with one walk and five strikeouts.
Key Performers
For the Cubs, center fielder Cody Bellinger has been a standout performer. In 92 games this season, Bellinger boasts a .276 average, bolstered by 16 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBIs. Highlighting his recent form, Bellinger went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs, and two runs scored in a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 9. Furthermore, he has managed to register hits in seven of the last ten games. Against the Blue Jays, Bellinger’s performance has been particularly impressive with a .318 batting average, three doubles, one home run, and six RBIs over six career games.
On the other side, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to be a beacon of consistency for the Blue Jays. Playing in 120 games this season, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323 with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBIs. His recent stretch includes a 6-for-14 performance with two homers and four RBIs in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Additionally, he shined in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 8, recording three hits, including a double, triple, homer, and driving in four RBIs.
As the Blue Jays and Cubs prepare to face off, both teams will be looking to key players and pitching performances to set the tone for what promises to be an intriguing contest at Wrigley Field.