Today’s matchup is between the Cleveland Indians (26-21) and the Chicago Cubs (28-20). The Indians have won 0 of their last 5 games & the Cubs have won 3 of their last 5 games.
The Indians are starting Aaron Civale (RHP), on the mound who is 3-5 on the season pitching a 3.88 ERA, 3.41 FIP,.303 wOBA, K% of 23.8%, BB% of 4.3%, 87.3 MPH average exit velocity, and a 1.16 WHIP in 58.0 innings pitched.
The Cubs are starting Jon Lester (LHP), who is 2-2 on the season with a 5.05 ERA, 5.10 FIP, .334 wOBA, K% of 18.1%, BB% of 5.9%, 88.4 MPH average exit velocity, and a 1.34 WHIP in 46.1 innings pitched.
The Indians are the 9th best in the Majors in Relieving Pitching (WAR) while the Cubs are 15th.
On the hitting side, the Indians have a .301 wOBA and a .317 OBP. The Cubs have a .316 wOBA and a .322 OBP. The Indians have 45 HRs this season while the Cubs have 62 HRs.
To me this is a toss up game where the Indians clearly have the better starting pitcher but the Cubs have the better hitting team. Relieving pitcher is very similar but if I had to choose a side I'd back the Indians to win the game.
CLEVELAND INDIANS:
Record: 26-22
Last 10 Games: 3-7
Streak: L7
CHICAGO CUBS:
Record: 29-20
Last 10 Games: 6-4
Streak: W3