Justin Steele, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Chicago Cubs (32-37) as they host the Baltimore Orioles (43-26) at Wrigley Field on Saturday.
The Cubs took Friday’s series opener 10-3, their fourth straight victory overall. Kyle Hendricks got the win, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings.
Trey Mancini went 2 for 2 with two doubles and two runs, walking twice, in the win. Christopher Morel went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and had three RBIs. Ryan O’Hearn was 3 for 4 with a double and one run for the Orioles.
ON THE MOUND
Kyle Gibson (8-3, 3.90 ERA) is set to start for Baltimore. The right-hander is tied for third in the AL in wins. Gibson allowed three runs over 6.1 innings in his last start, an 11-3 home win over the Royals on Sunday.
He was credited with the win, scattering seven hits while striking out four. Gibson is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Gibson made one start against the Cubs in 2022, a 15-2 home loss for the Phillies on July 22.
He surrendered six runs on six hits over 4.1 innings, walking three. For Chicago, lefty Steele (6-2, 2.65 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Orioles.
Steele made one start against the Orioles in 2022, throwing six innings in a 7-1 home defeat on July 13. He gave up six hits and walked one while striking out three in the loss.
In his last start on May 31, Steele took a no-decision at home against the Rays. He threw three scoreless, no-hit innings, striking out one, in the 4-3 defeat. The LHP ranks second in the NL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.0, while performing better across the board (.313/.349/.511). Against left-handed pitchers like Steele this season, the O’s have a .764 OPS.
Ryan Mountcastle is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a 1.017 OPS in 74 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 8.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.5 for the season, with an improved slash line (.324/.404/.469). The Cubs have a .707 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .844 OPS over 183 at-bats, Ian Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Baltimore is 21-13 on the road in 2023, scoring 5.4 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Chicago has won four in a row at home. The Cubs are 19-16 at home this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.2. Chicago is 5-4 in nine meetings at Wrigley Field with an average scoreline of 4.7-4.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Orioles are second in the AL East, five games behind the division-leading Rays. The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, three games behind the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Baltimore Orioles (+110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
