The Chicago Cubs (18-19) are in for a challenge against Sonny Gray at Target Field on Friday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Minnesota Twins (21-17) for the opener of a three-game Interleague series.
The Cubs are playing their first of nine games on the road after wrapping up a six-game homestand (3-3). They won only one out of three in their last series against the Cardinals, taking the finale 10-4 on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Yan Gomes was 3 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs. Trey Mancini added three runs on one hit and three walks. The Twins are in the midst of a six-game homestand.
They won two of three against the Padres in their last series, taking the finale 5-3 on Thursday at Target Field. Joey Gallo went 2 for 3 with a double, one run, and one RBI.
Kyle Farmer added a solo home run. The teams are meeting for the first time since September 22, 2021, when the Twins finished off a two-game series sweep with a 5-4 victory at Wrigley Field.
ON THE MOUND
Drew Smyly (3-1, 3.05 ERA) is slated to get the start for Chicago. The lefty allowed two runs over 3.1 innings in his last start, a 4-2 road win over the Marlins on Saturday. He gave up three hits while striking out five and walking three in the no-decision.
Righty Gray (4-0, 1.35 ERA) will toe the rubber for Minnesota. In his last start on Saturday, Gray took a no-decision on the road against the Guardians.
He threw five innings and gave up three runs on four hits, striking out six and walking three in the 4-3 loss. The righty leads the league in ERA. He also ranks fifth in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
The Chicago offense is averaging 4.9 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .269/.343/.430. Four Cubs hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Patrick Wisdom (.941). The third baseman is slashing .237/.336/.605 with 12 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 24 runs over 33 games.
Against righties like Gray this season, the Cubs have a .757 OPS. Ian Happ is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a 1.037 OPS in 95 at-bats.
Minnesota is slashing .220/.300/.386 for the season and averaging 4.3 runs per game. Byron Buxton leads the team with an .823 OPS. The center fielder has eight home runs, 19 RBIs, and 22 runs scored with a slash line of .226/.331/.492.
Minnesota is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five with their slash line dropping across the board (.186/.272/.311). The Twins have a .649 OPS against left-handers in 2023, fourth lowest in the league. With a .708 OPS over 25 at-bats, Jose Miranda has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 7-8 in 2023. The Cubs have scored 5.1 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.1 runs.
Minnesota has gone 12-7 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In eight meetings at Target Field, Chicago is 5-3 with an average scoreline of 4.8-3.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins lead the AL Central by two games over the Tigers. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, two games behind the Pirates.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Minnesota Twins (-155)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
