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Cubs vs. Braves Series Preview: Key Matchups and Predictions

9 months agoUS
Cubs vs. Braves Series Preview: Key Matchups and PredictionsSource: sports.yahoo.com
The Chicago Cubs are set to host the Atlanta Braves in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Despite the Braves' struggles this season, the series presents intriguing matchups and potential playoff implications for the Cubs.

Key Insights

Pitching Matchups:: The Cubs appear to have an advantage in the pitching matchups, with Colin Rea, Shōta Imanaga, and Cade Horton scheduled to face Spencer Strider, Joey Wentz, and Bryce Elder, respectively.

Braves' Offensive Potential:: Despite their overall struggles, the Braves' offense has shown signs of life since the All-Star break, with Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar performing well.

Cubs' Home Advantage:: The Cubs have historically struggled against the Braves at home, with a 1-6-1 series record since 2018. Breaking this trend could be crucial for their playoff aspirations.

Strider's Performance:: Spencer Strider, once a Cy Young contender, has struggled since returning from elbow surgery, making this a favorable matchup for the Cubs.

Wild Card Race:: The Cubs lead the NL Wild Card race by two games over the San Diego Padres and are 6.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

In-Depth Analysis

The series between the Cubs and Braves offers a mix of opportunity and challenge for Chicago. The Cubs' pitching depth and Strider's recent struggles give them an edge in two of the three games. Atlanta's offense is showing signs of improvement, particularly from Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar. The Cubs' ability to capitalize on their pitching advantage and contain Atlanta's resurgent offense will be key to securing a series win. Historically, the Cubs have struggled against the Braves at home, making this series a crucial test of their ability to perform under pressure. The Cubs are 9-9 vs. the East, while the Brewers are 20-7. The Cubs will play 12 of their last 25, nearly half, vs. the East, starting with nine in a row: three each at home vs. the Braves and Nationals, then three at Atlanta.

FAQs

What are the key pitching matchups for the series?

** The probable pitching matchups are Colin Rea vs. Spencer Strider, Shōta Imanaga vs. Joey Wentz, and Cade Horton vs. Bryce Elder.

What is the Cubs' record against the Braves at home since 2018?

** Since 2018, the Cubs are 1-6-1 in series at home against the Braves.

How have the Braves been performing offensively since the All-Star break?

** The Braves' offense has shown signs of life since the All-Star break, ranking near the top 10 in baseball according to team wRC+.

Key Takeaways

The Cubs have a favorable pitching advantage in the series.

The Braves' offense is showing signs of improvement and should not be underestimated.

Overcoming their historical struggles against the Braves at home is crucial for the Cubs.

A series win would significantly boost the Cubs' playoff chances.

Discussion

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