Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Preview, Predictions and Picks for September 23, 2024

Published on:
Sep 23, 2024 6:10 AM
The Philadelphia Phillies, sitting comfortably atop the NL East with a 92-64 record, are set to host the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, September 23rd at 6:40 PM. The Cubs, currently second in the NL Central with an 80-76 record, will look to even the season series, which the Phillies lead 2-1. In a crucial late-season matchup, both teams will aim to secure a crucial win to strengthen their postseason chances.
Written by
Optimal Staff
Chicago Cubs
Philadelphia Phillies

Cubs vs Phillies starting pitchers

  • Aaron Nola for Philadelphia Phillies
  • Nate Pearson for Chicago Cubs

Cubs vs Phillies statistics

Stat Cubs Phillies
Hits 1271 (16th) 1374 (4th)
Batting Average .243 (16th) .257 (4th)
Runs Batted In 674 (13th) 723 (4th)
Runs 714 (13th) 755 (4th)
Home Runs 168 (Tied-18th) 189 (9th)
Walks 524 (6th) 498 (8th)
Stolen Bases 140 (8th) 145 (6th)
Strikeouts 1326 (16th) 1322 (17th)
Pitches 23096 (10th) 22947 (14th)

Philadelphia Phillies recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/22/24 @ New York Mets L 2-1
9/21/24 @ New York Mets L 6-3
9/20/24 @ New York Mets W 12-2
9/19/24 @ New York Mets L 10-6
9/18/24 @ Milwaukee Brewers L 2-1

Chicago Cubs recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/22/24 vs Washington Nationals W 5-0
9/21/24 vs Washington Nationals L 5-1
9/20/24 vs Washington Nationals W 3-1
9/19/24 vs Washington Nationals W 7-6
9/18/24 vs Oakland Athletics L 5-3

Cubs vs Phillies predictions

As the Chicago Cubs get set to face off against the Philadelphia Phillies, it's worth keeping an eye on a few key players who could make a big impact. Seiya Suzuki has been swinging a hot bat lately, and I’m betting he’s going to carry that momentum into this series. His ability to get on base and drive in runs will be crucial, especially with Ian Happ's consistent power and RBI potential, despite his day-to-day status. On the pitching side, Nate Pearson will need to deliver a strong start. His ERA and WHIP this season suggest some vulnerability, but he's shown flashes of brilliance with those 71 strikeouts. If Pearson can dial in his control and minimize walks, he might just keep the Cubs competitive in this opener.

Switching dugouts, the Philadelphia Phillies are looking strong and their lineup is stacked with talent that can change the game in a heartbeat. Bryce Harper, always a threat at the plate, seems primed for a big game. With his ability to drive in runs and hit with power, expectations are high. Then there’s Trea Turner, whose speed and batting prowess make him a dual threat, especially at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies have been particularly strong this season. On the mound, Aaron Nola brings reliability and a knack for strikeouts, which could spell trouble for the Cubs’ hitters. His impressive ERA and WHIP are indicative of his consistent performance throughout the season.

Given the Phillies' robust home record and the strategic edge provided by Nola's experienced arm, I’m leaning towards a win for the home team in this opening game. The combination of solid pitching and the explosive potential of their lineup gives Philadelphia a noticeable advantage. Meanwhile, the Cubs will undoubtedly put up a fight, making it an exciting game to watch, but the Phillies’ current form and home-field advantage might just be too much for Chicago to handle this time around.

Philadelphia Phillies injuries

  • Austin Hays (LF): 10-Day-IL
  • Spencer Turnbull (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Rodolfo Castro (SS): 60-Day-IL
  • Andrew Painter (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Jordan Luplow (LF): Day-To-Day

Chicago Cubs injuries

  • Ian Happ (LF): Day-To-Day
  • Colten Brewer (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Nick Madrigal (3B): 60-Day-IL
  • Jordan Wicks (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Julian Merryweather (RP): 15-Day-IL

Cubs vs Phillies game info

Venue Citizens Bank Park
Location Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
First pitch Mon 6:40 PM
Temperature 69°
Chance of Rain 7%

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Odds

Real-time odds powered by Optimal

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