Cubs vs Astros predictions
When you look at this Chicago Cubs lineup, it’s kind of hard not to get excited about their young core. Nico Hoerner is having one of those seasons where you just expect him to spark the offense—don’t be surprised if he tallies a couple of hits and flashes that .294 average tonight. Seiya Suzuki brings the power, and with his knack for driving in runs, it feels like a long ball or clutch double could be in the cards. Plus, there’s always the hustle and speed—the Cubs seem to love turning walks and singles into a couple more bases, and Pete Crow-Armstrong definitely has the wheels to swipe a bag if he gets on. With Cade Horton on the mound, you might see him rack up a few strikeouts, given his swing-and-miss arsenal, but the Astros lineup will definitely test his command.
Switching things over to the Houston Astros, Jeremy Pena is quietly putting together a fantastic year, reaching base at an impressive rate. It wouldn’t be a stretch to see him collect another pair of hits and score at least once as he puts pressure on that Cubs pitching staff. Isaac Paredes has quietly emerged as a power threat—count on him to be in the middle of any rally, maybe even sneaking a homer if Cade Horton leaves one over the plate. As for veteran Jose Altuve, he’s always good for getting on base and making things happen, whether it’s a line-drive single or turning a double play attempt into chaos. And don’t sleep on Brandon Walter starting things off; he’s looked sharp in his last few outings and could handle the Cubs lineup for a solid five innings if he gets early run support.
So, who comes out on top in this classic NL–AL faceoff? Both teams are evenly matched in terms of records, but you can feel that home-field edge for Houston—Daikin Park has been kind to them all season. The Cubs offense is dangerous, sure, but if the Astros’ core can chip away early and Walter gives them quality innings, Houston might just pull this one out. It should be a tight battle from the first pitch, but I’m leaning toward the Astros to take the opener in what promises to be one of those grind-it-out MLB matchups you remember all summer. What do you think: will the North Siders spoil the party, or will Houston make a statement?
