Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs: Preview, Predictions and Picks for September 18, 2024

Published on:
Sep 18, 2024 6:10 AM
The Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics face off in a rubber match at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 2:20 PM. With the series currently tied 1-1, the Cubs will look to capitalize on their 39-34 home record to take the series win, while the Athletics aim to improve their 30-47 road record and come out on top.
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Optimal Staff
Oakland Athletics
Chicago Cubs

Athletics vs Cubs starting pitchers

  • Justin Steele for Chicago Cubs
  • Brady Basso for Oakland Athletics

Athletics vs Cubs statistics

Stat Athletics Cubs
Hits 1197 (24th) 1238 (Tied-14th)
Batting Average .235 (25th) .243 (14th)
Runs Batted In 589 (23rd) 655 (13th)
Runs 613 (26th) 695 (Tied-12th)
Home Runs 192 (Tied-5th) 162 (19th)
Walks 466 (13th) 509 (6th)
Stolen Bases 92 (Tied-18th) 137 (6th)
Strikeouts 1410 (4th) 1287 (15th)
Pitches 21772 (21st) 22423 (9th)

Chicago Cubs recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/17/24 vs Oakland Athletics L 4-3
9/16/24 vs Oakland Athletics W 9-2
9/15/24 @ Colorado Rockies W 6-2
9/14/24 @ Colorado Rockies L 6-5 F/10
9/13/24 @ Colorado Rockies L 9-5

Oakland Athletics recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/17/24 @ Chicago Cubs W 4-3
9/16/24 @ Chicago Cubs L 9-2
9/15/24 @ Chicago White Sox L 4-3
9/14/24 @ Chicago White Sox L 7-6
9/13/24 @ Chicago White Sox W 2-0

Athletics vs Cubs predictions

As the Oakland Athletics gear up to face the Chicago Cubs, all eyes are on Brent Rooker, who’s been swinging a mean bat with a .302 average and a whopping 38 homers. His impressive RBIs of 109 could very well see an increase after this series. In the pitching department, Brady Basso is also someone to watch closely. Despite his limited experience this season, he's marked an impressive ERA of 1.23. Given his knack for keeping the ball in the park, he might just stall some of the Cubs’ hitters, making today’s match an intriguing pitcher-hitter duel.

Switching dugouts to the Chicago Cubs, their lineup brings solid talent to the field, especially with Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner. Happ, with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs, consistently delivers when it counts, and could be a key player in driving in crucial runs. On the mound, Justin Steele has racked up 131 strikeouts this season and sports a pretty respectable ERA of 3.09. Steele’s ability to command the game coupled with his knack for crucial outs might just give the Cubs the edge they need to challenge the Athletics’ lineup effectively.

Pegging a winner in what promises to be a closely contested series finale isn't easy, but with the Cubs playing at Wrigley Field where they've had a decent run, and considering the depth in both their batting and pitching, they seem to have a slight upper hand. Plus, Steele’s current form could be the decider in keeping the Athletics' bats at bay. It’s all set for a gripping contest, but the Cubs might just edge this one out, especially with their combination of home advantage and pitching strength.

Chicago Cubs injuries

  • Justin Steele (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Jorge Lopez (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Colten Brewer (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Hayden Wesneski (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Julian Merryweather (RP): 15-Day-IL

Oakland Athletics injuries

  • Max Muncy (SS): Day-To-Day
  • Gerson Moreno (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Austin Adams (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Osvaldo Bido (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Ross Stripling (SP): 15-Day-IL

Athletics vs Cubs game info

Venue Wrigley Field
Location Chicago, Illinois
First pitch Wed 2:20 PM
Temperature 77°
Chance of Rain 0%

Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Odds

Real-time odds powered by Optimal

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