Baltimore Orioles vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions July 10th 2024

All-Star pitchers face off for Cubs, Orioles

The Chicago Cubs are riding a wave of newfound momentum as they gear up for the second game of their interleague series against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night. With a dominant 9-2 victory in the series opener, the Cubs are looking to extend their recent success. The highlight of the upcoming game is the much-anticipated pitching duel between 2024 All-Stars: Cubs’ left-hander Shota Imanaga and Orioles’ right-hander Corbin Burnes.

Cubs’ Recent Performance

The Cubs have won four of their past five games, marking their best stretch since a four-game winning streak in late April. Their latest win was only the third victory in their past nine road games, but it showcased their offensive prowess with 14 hits leading to a 9-2 romp over the Orioles.

Offensive Surge: The Cubs’ offense was in full display during the series opener, and they hope to carry this momentum forward.

Pitching Matchup

Shota Imanaga:

• Stats and Rest: With a record of 7-2 and a 3.16 ERA, Imanaga is well-rested after being pushed back from his Tuesday night start. He hasn’t pitched since July 3, giving him ample time to prepare for this crucial game.
• Manager’s Praise: Cubs manager Craig Counsell has high praise for Imanaga, highlighting his positive attitude, curiosity, and constant desire to improve.
• Historical Context: Imanaga is the first Cubs rookie to be an All-Star since Kris Bryant in 2015. He is eager to secure his first victory since June 15 and will be facing the Orioles for the first time.

Corbin Burnes:

• Season Performance: Burnes boasts a 9-3 record with a 2.32 ERA. He is making his second attempt to reach ten wins this season.
• Familiarity with Cubs: Having faced the Cubs numerous times during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, Burnes has a 3.26 ERA in 16 appearances against them. He’s given up eight home runs in 69 innings to the Cubs, a stat only surpassed by the St. Louis Cardinals with nine.
• All-Star Recognition: Acknowledging the contributions of staff and coaches, Burnes celebrates his fourth consecutive All-Star selection, an honor he deeply appreciates.

Key Players and Moments

Hunter Bigge’s Debut: Hunter Bigge made a memorable major league debut for the Cubs, delivering a flawless 1-2-3 ninth inning and impressing with a 100 mph fastball. His debut marks a promising addition to the Cubs’ bullpen.

Jordan Westburg’s All-Star Selection: Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg was added to the American League All-Star team as a replacement for the injured Rafael Devers. Westburg celebrated the news with his 15th home run of the season, showcasing his talent and readiness for the spotlight.

Sentiment and Tone

The article maintains an optimistic and excited tone, highlighting the achievements and potential of both teams. Quotes from players and managers add depth, providing personal insights and emphasizing the significance of the All-Star selections and individual performances.

Key Themes and Takeaways

• Resurgence and Momentum: The Cubs are capitalizing on their recent success, aiming to continue their winning streak.
• Pitching Duel: The All-Star pitching matchup between Imanaga and Burnes is a central focus, promising a thrilling and competitive game.
• Emerging Talent: The debuts and All-Star selections of players like Hunter Bigge and Jordan Westburg underscore the growth and future potential of both teams.

Conclusion

As the Cubs and Orioles prepare for their second game, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive matchup. The recent performances, key players, and the high-stakes pitching duel add layers of anticipation and excitement. This game is not just a regular season contest but a showcase of talent, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in baseball.

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