Believe it or not, we've got the Oakland Athletics rambling into Wrigley Field to face off against the Chicago Cubs. Now, remember, Wrigley isn't exactly pitcher-friendly, a fact that should keep the pitcher for the Athletics, Brady Basso, alert. I mean, a 1.27 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP are impressive until you consider Wrigley's less-than-favorably shaded reputation for rubber-armed individuals.
On the flip side, Justin Steele of the Cubs is carrying a mean 3.40 ERA along with a 1.11 WHIP into this game. Runs might well be the order of the day.
Now, the Athletics are rallying around Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker who’ve been knocking baseballs out of the park all season. With these two stepping up to the plate, that's a pair of dingers I wouldn't want to bet against.
The Cubs aren't slacking either. Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson have been reliable lads, although their homer count isn't exactly stratospheric. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cody Bellinger have been delivering the goods, too.
As a trip down memory lane would remind us, both teams have had their moments when they've faced off previously. The Athletics have had the recent upper hand, though the Cubs have racked up some historically dominant wins as well.
This season's records might give the illusion that the Cubs have the edge with 77 wins to the Athletics' 65. But hey, if sports history has taught us anything, it's rarely about the numbers, but the day. Even the recent results though, lean more towards the Cubs, and as they say, momentum is a real thing.
So, with all said and done, let’s see. Athletics may have the glimmer of yesterday on their side but let’s be honest, comparing a Cubs winning season to an Athletics season punctuated with losses is like comparing apples to very disappointing oranges.
Albert's Prediction: Chicago Cubs by 2