Cubs Welcome Orioles in Key Series Opener at Wrigley
So here’s what’s happening in Chicago—baseball fans are getting a treat this weekend as the Cubs take on the Baltimore Orioles in the first game of a three-game series at the iconic Wrigley Field. First pitch was scheduled for 1:20 p.m. Friday afternoon, and while it’s just one of 162 games in the regular season, this one comes with a bit more intrigue on both sides.
The Cubs, sitting at 63 wins and 45 losses, are just one game behind the Brewers in the NL Central. They’ve been solid at home this season with a 33-19 record and are trying to stay sharp and gain ground in the division, especially now that the trade deadline has passed. Their pitching staff has held its own so far, with a team ERA of 3.96, which ranks eighth in the National League.
The Orioles, on the other hand, are in a different position. They’re 50-59 overall and fifth in the AL East. A handful of key players were traded away at the deadline, making it clear that Baltimore is looking more toward the future than a playoff push this season. Still, they’ve been swinging the bats well lately—six wins in their last ten games, with a team batting average of .306 over that stretch. That’s hot.
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On the mound, Baltimore is sending out left-hander Trevor Rogers, who’s been nothing short of lights-out. He’s rocking a 4-1 record with a 1.49 ERA and a WHIP of just 0.79. Not easy to hit. The Cubs will counter with righty Cade Horton, who has a respectable 4-3 record and a 3.67 ERA.
Offensively, Pete Crow-Armstrong is still carrying the load for the Cubs with 27 home runs on the season, while Matt Shaw has been hot lately, hitting .324 over the last 10 games with three homers and nine RBIs. The Orioles have their own weapons too—Adley Rutschman has been a reliable bat, and Tyler O’Neill is coming in hot with four home runs in his last ten games.
Both teams are dealing with some injury issues—key players like Ian Happ for the Cubs and Ryan Mountcastle for the Orioles are sidelined. So depth will be tested.
As for the betting angle, the Cubs came into the game as slight favorites, but the Orioles' pitching edge with Rogers on the hill has made this matchup closer than it looks on paper. The over/under was set at 7.5 runs, and despite the wind reportedly blowing in at Wrigley, many expect this one to go over.
It’s the first meeting of the season between these two squads, and while their goals might be different, the energy at the ballpark should be anything but casual.
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