Guardians vs Cubs predictions
With the Cleveland Guardians rolling into Wrigley Field to kick off this three-game set, all eyes naturally turn to their performance at the plate. Jose Ramirez remains the cornerstone for Cleveland, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him notch another multi-hit game, maybe even sneak one over the wall given his 13 homers already this season. Keep an eye on Steven Kwan as well—he’s been consistent with solid contact and could easily notch a hit or two at the top of the lineup. Carlos Santana and Lane Thomas are both primed for productive at-bats; with a little spark, they could help the Guardians piece together some much-needed runs, especially if they capitalize on walks or drive one into the gaps. All of this hinges on the offense backing up Gavin Williams, who I’d expect to keep his team in the game with a respectable strikeout tally, but the bullpen will need to be ready if the Cubs lineup bears down late.
Speaking of the Cubs, this just feels like their series to control, especially at home where they’ve been tough to beat. Nico Hoerner’s been quietly racking up hits all season and I fully expect him to stay hot at the plate, setting the table for run producers like Seiya Suzuki—who, let’s be real, has the power to make a difference every time he digs in. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch should add some excitement with their ability to grab extra bases or come through with timely RBIs. With Matthew Boyd on the bump, Chicago’s in a good spot; I’d peg him for a solid outing, working deep enough into the game to let the bullpen close things down if needed. Look for the Cubs to be aggressive on the basepaths, as their stolen base numbers have been among the league’s best, and that small-ball approach could rattle the Guardians’ defense.
When it’s all said and done, Wrigley’s electric atmosphere combined with the Cubs’ well-rounded lineup and home field dominance have this matchup trending in Chicago’s favor. The Guardians have their share of standouts, but unless their bats suddenly find a new gear, they might struggle to keep pace with a Cubs squad built to capitalize on every opportunity. If I had to call it, I see the Cubs grabbing the series opener with a combination of clutch hitting and sharp pitching—setting a confident tone for the rest of the weekend. What do you think: ready to see the Cubs keep flexing that NL Central muscle?
