Cubs vs Braves starting pitchers
- Charlie Morton for Atlanta Braves
- Javier Assad for Chicago Cubs
Cubs vs Braves game preview
As the Chicago Cubs head into enemy territory against the Atlanta Braves, the mound sees an intriguing matchup of undefeated pitchers. The Cubs will deploy Javier Assad, who boasts an impressive 1.70 ERA and 35 strikeouts over a significant span of 42 full innings pitched this season. His counterpart from the Braves, Charlie Morton, similarly showcases a stellar record with a 3.14 ERA and 40 strikeouts across 43 innings. Both pitchers have effectively limited their walks and home runs, setting the stage for a potentially tight pitcher's duel under the bright lights of this MLB showdown.
Turning to the Chicago Cubs, their overall season performance reveals a mixed bag of formidable and mediocre stats. With the Cubs ranking 13th in runs and displaying decent power numbers including a strong standing at 5th in walks drawn, they demonstrate the ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities. However, maintaining consistency at the plate has been challenging, as reflected by their 19th rank in batting average (.234). Key players to watch include Nico Hoerner, who, despite being day-to-day with an injury, leads the team with a .269 batting average, and Christopher Morel, the team's leader in home runs (9) and RBIs (27). Their offensive output and on-base efficiency will be critical in facing a strong Braves' pitching staff.
The Atlanta Braves enter this series riding on the back of some potent offensive statistics, notably highlighted by Marcell Ozuna’s outstanding performance, leading the team with a .329 batting average, 12 home runs, and 41 RBIs. Although the Braves rank moderately across various offensive metrics, including a 15th place in total hits and 13th in runs scored, their ability to capitalize on hitting, demonstrated by a .255 team batting average (6th in MLB), poses a significant threat. However, their susceptibility in areas like stolen bases and walks, where they rank 22nd and 23rd respectively, might hinder their ability to sustain rallies, especially against Assad's controlled pitching style. This game against the Cubs could hinge on their ability to leverage their slugging strength while finding ways to improve their small-ball game.
Atlanta Braves injuries
- Austin Riley (3B): Day-To-Day
- Sean Murphy (C): 10-Day-IL
- Blake Burkhalter (RP): Day-To-Day
- Reynaldo Lopez (SP): Day-To-Day
- Pierce Johnson (RP): 15-Day-IL
Chicago Cubs injuries
- Nico Hoerner (2B): Day-To-Day
- Kohl Franklin (SP): Day-To-Day
- Jordan Wicks (SP): 15-Day-IL
- Dansby Swanson (SS): 10-Day-IL
- Ethan Roberts (RP): Day-To-Day
Cubs vs Braves predictions
I'm telling you, the Cubs are gonna lean heavy on Cody Bellinger tonight. This guy's been on a tear lately, and I think he's gonna come out swinging against Charlie Morton. I'm projecting him to go 2-for-4 with a homer and a couple RBIs. And don't even get me started on Christopher Morel - this kid's a budding star. He's got 9 homers already this season, and I think he's gonna add to that total tonight. I've got him down for a 3-for-5 night with a bomb. And let's not forget about Nico Hoerner - this guy's been quietly putting together a solid season. I think he'll go 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
On the other side, the Braves are gonna rely on their big boppers to get the job done. Marcell Ozuna's been on an absolute tear this season, and I think he'll keep it going tonight. I've got him projected for a 3-for-4 night with a homer and a couple RBIs. And let's not forget about Ozzie Albies - this guy's a sparkplug for the Braves' offense. I think he'll go 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored. And Travis d'Arnaud's been quietly putting together a solid season behind the dish - I think he'll go 2-for-4 with an RBI.
So who's gonna take this one? I'm gonna go with my gut and say the Braves take it 6-4. I think their offense is just too potent, and Charlie Morton's got the stuff to shut down the Cubs' lineup. Javier Assad's gonna give the Braves some trouble early, but ultimately, I think the Braves' bats will be too much for him. The Braves are on a roll, and I think they'll keep it going tonight.
