Toronto Blue Jays Aim to Continue Winning Streak Against Skidding Chicago Cubs
Teams trending in opposite directions face off when the Toronto Blue Jays meet the Chicago Cubs in an interleague matchup on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The Blue Jays, coming off a three-game winning streak, look to extend their success against a Cubs team struggling with three consecutive losses.
The Blue Jays (57-64), currently fifth in the American League East, have found some rhythm, winning six of their last ten contests. This resurgent form will be tested on the road against the Cubs (59-63), who reside in fourth place in the National League Central. Chicago has had mixed results during day games this season, sporting a 26-28 record under the afternoon sun.
Historical Matchup
In their head-to-head history, the Blue Jays hold a slim lead, boasting an 11-10 record over the Cubs. However, when playing at the iconic Wrigley Field, Chicago has held the upper hand with a 4-2 record against Toronto. First pitch for this anticipated clash is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Cubs slightly favored at -114 on the money line. The over/under for the game stands at 10 runs.
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Pitching Matchup
Taking the mound for Chicago will be right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks. While his season record stands at a struggling 3-10 with a 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has shown flashes of excellence lately. In 12 of his last 14 appearances, Hendricks has allowed three or fewer earned runs. In his most recent outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks delivered a solid performance over six innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs while fanning five batters. On July 12, he was impeccable in a 5-1 win over St. Louis, throwing seven shutout innings and permitting just five hits with one walk.
Opposing Hendricks will be Toronto's right-handed Yariel Rodriguez. The Blue Jays have depended on Rodriguez in 12 starts where he has clocked 50 innings and posted a 3.60 ERA. Despite a commendable performance in his last start, Rodriguez was dealt a hard-luck loss, 1-0, against the Oakland Athletics. In that game, Rodriguez pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five hits and one earned run while managing five strikeouts.
Offensive Firepower
Chicago’s Cody Bellinger has been one of their standout hitters. Over 92 games this season, Bellinger is batting .276 and has amassed 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. His scorching performance against the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where he went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored, highlighted his potential to make game-changing plays. Bellinger also holds a solid .318 batting average in his career against the Blue Jays, including three doubles and one homer.
For the Blue Jays, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a consistent force at the plate. Hitting .323 over 120 games, Guerrero Jr. has recorded 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBI. In their recent series against the Los Angeles Angels, he went 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs, maintaining a hot streak. Additionally, in a dramatic 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles earlier this month, Guerrero Jr. contributed three hits, including a double, triple, and a home run, alongside four RBIs.
With two teams veering in different directions and both looking to assert dominance, this matchup promises excitement and high-quality baseball. Will the Blue Jays extend their winning streak or can the Cubs bounce back at home? This Friday afternoon game is set to answer those questions and more.