Baltimore Orioles vs Chi. Cubs Cubs Picks and Predictions July 11th 2024

Orioles Swing into Slump, Aim to Avoid Cubs’ Sweep

Searching for their initial four-game series of wins since April, the Chicago Cubs are ready to finish a series clear of the host Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night. In response to criticisms of their starting rotation, the Cubs have held the Orioles to just two runs in the first two games of the series.

The Cubs’ sixth shutout victory of the season, a 4-0 victory, demonstrated their ability to contain Baltimore’s potent offense for the first 18 innings of the series.

Orioles’ Offensive Struggles

Caught in an uncharacteristic slump, the Orioles went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position on Wednesday night, creating a sense of urgency at the plate.

“I thought our swings were a little big,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “At times, we’re getting a little too big trying to get the big hit. I think it’s going to turn around for us. We just have to relax a little bit.”

Cubs’ Recent Success

The Cubs have won five of their last six games, recording two shutouts during this stretch. The numbers suggest a potential pitcher’s duel in the series finale, with a four-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals up next before the All-Star break.

Steele’s Stellar Performance

The Cubs will send left-hander Justin Steele (1-3, 2.95 ERA) back to the mound. Steele is coming off a two-hitter performance with seven strikeouts against the Los Angeles Angels last Friday, marking his first career complete game.

“Something I’ve really wanted to do for a long time, so glad I got it,” Steele said.

Cubs infielder Miles Mastrobuoni highlighted Steele’s influence beyond his pitching.

“A guy that you just learn stuff from,” Mastrobuoni said. “Even as a position player, you just watch how he goes about his work.”

Gain Access to Exclusive Betting Insights! Register Now for unparalleled strategies.

While Chicago has won three of Steele’s last four starts, they are 4-9 overall in games he starts this season. Steele previously earned a 2023 home victory against the Orioles, pitching five innings and allowing just two hits, one of which was Adley Rutschman’s two-run homer. In his only other matchup with Baltimore, Steele took a 2022 home loss, giving up four runs (three earned) in six innings.

Suarez Takes the Mound for the Orioles

Right-hander Albert Suarez (5-2, 2.48 ERA) will take the stopper role for the Orioles. Suarez has won his past two starts, delivering six-inning performances against Texas and Oakland and issuing only one walk in 12 innings against the Rangers and A’s.

While pitching for the San Francisco Giants in 2016, Suarez faced the Cubs twice, going 0-1 and allowing two runs over eight total innings.

Hyde acknowledged the Cubs’ effective play this week.

“They’re finding some holes right now in the infield and in the outfield,” Hyde said. “Give them credit for putting the ball in play.”

Injury Concerns for Bellinger

Cody Bellinger, a Cubs outfielder, was struck on the left hand by Cionel Perez’s 97-mph fastball in the seventh inning on Wednesday night. He was removed from the game and his status for Thursday is unknown.

“It’s his left middle finger, didn’t feel like he could toss a baseball,” Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell said. ” We will need to take some tests to find out what’s going on.”

Bellinger emphasized the need for immediate treatment.

“A little swollen, a little bit of pain,” he said. “… I’ve learned that you’ve got to wait for the CT scan until you can make any opinions on it.”

Conclusion

Both the Orioles and the Cubs want to keep their winning streak going and avoid being swept, and both of these teams are in crucial junctures that could affect their momentum heading into the All-Star break. As soon as Albert Suarez and Justin Steele take the field to try to win for their teams, everyone will be watching.