Toronto Blue Jays Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Chicago Cubs
Two teams heading in opposite directions will face off in an interleague game on Friday afternoon as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Blue Jays, currently fifth in the American League East, have picked up momentum with three consecutive wins and six victories out of their last ten games. On the other hand, the Cubs have been struggling, having lost three straight games and presently sitting fourth in the National League Central.
Recent Performance and All-Time Matchup
Toronto boasts a record of 57-64, showing a recent uptick in form and aiming to build on their winning streak. Meanwhile, Chicago's record stands at 59-63, and their daytime performance hasn't been particularly strong; the Cubs are 26-28 during the day. Notably, the Blue Jays hold an all-time series lead of 11-10 over the Cubs, though Chicago can take solace in their 4-2 edge when playing at Wrigley Field.
The excitement kicks off with the first pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET. Favoring the home team slightly, Chicago is listed as a -114 favorite according to the latest odds, with an over/under set at 10 runs.
Pitching Duel: Hendricks vs. Rodriguez
The Cubs will send right-hander Kyle Hendricks to the mound. Hendricks, with a season record of 3-10 and a 6.60 ERA, has shown signs of resurgence lately. He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. Despite his recent form, his last outing ended in a 3-0 defeat to the Minnesota Twins, where he pitched six innings, allowed five hits, and struck out five.
Hendricks also made a stellar performance in a 5-1 win against St. Louis on July 12, pitching an impressive seven shutout innings and giving up just five hits. The Cubs will be hoping for more of the same from him as they try to snap their losing streak.
For the Blue Jays, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez will take the mound. Rodriguez, with a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA, has demonstrated solid potential despite his underwhelming win-loss record. In his last start, Rodriguez pitched 5.2 innings against the Oakland Athletics, allowing just one earned run and striking out five in a narrow 1-0 loss. Toronto will be looking for Rodriguez to provide another strong outing to give them a chance to win their fourth consecutive game.
Key Players to Watch
Center fielder Cody Bellinger remains a crucial player for the Cubs. This season, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBIs in 92 games. His performance was particularly notable in a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where he went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Bellinger has consistently contributed in recent games, tallying hits in seven of his last ten outings. Against the Blue Jays, he boasts an impressive .318 average, proving he can deliver when it matters most.
On the Blue Jays’ side, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a formidable presence at the plate. The 25-year-old slugger is hitting .323 across 120 games this season, with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBIs. Guerrero Jr. has been particularly hot lately, going 6-for-14 with two home runs and four RBIs in a recent three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Additionally, in a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, Guerrero Jr. showcased his versatility with three hits, including a double, triple, and a home run.
As these two teams prepare to square off at Wrigley Field, fans can expect an exciting clash between a surging Blue Jays squad and a Cubs team eager to recapture their winning form. With key players like Guerrero Jr. and Bellinger set to make an impact, and promising pitchers Hendricks and Rodriguez on the mound, this game promises to deliver plenty of drama and entertainment.