This weekend’s weather in Chicago promises to be a bit of a mixed bag, with expectations of some rain in the late morning and early afternoon. Fortunately, the rain should subside in time for the highly anticipated game, making way for warmer temperatures. Fans are advised to stay hydrated as the region prepares for what could be the hottest days of the year, accompanied by heightened humidity levels.
The heat may exert additional pressure on the pitching staffs of both teams, potentially benefiting the Cubs. Pitcher Matthew Boyd, surprisingly second in the team for innings pitched with 80.2 so far this season, has shown remarkable endurance, going at least six innings in each of his last four starts. His performance, along with Jameson Taillon leading with 86.2 innings, is crucial as the hot weather approaches. The Cubs’ bullpen has impressive momentum, further supported by the anticipated return of Shota Imanaga.
The Cubs’ offense is also seen to be gaining some momentum, despite a tough outing against Milwaukee. The lineup features Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki among others, aiming to maintain batting prowess against a challenging Mariners pitching staff.
On the mound for the Mariners is George Kirby, who has faced struggles after a strong start to his career. While his strikeouts are up, they largely stem from a standout game against the Angels, and his performance has been inconsistent throughout the season. Notably, both his four-seam and sinker pitches show concerning similarities in velocity, which could be detrimental as they account for a significant portion of his pitching strategy.
The matchup promises excitement as the Cubs seek to take advantage of Kirby’s current form. With Sammy Sosa in attendance for the match beginning at 1:20 PM CT, fans are set for a thrilling weekend of baseball.