Opinion
3 min read

Can the Blue Jays Outfly the Cubs at Wrigley Field?

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an exhilarating matchup. The Blue Jays, coming off a series of games that have showcased their resilience and skill, are looking to continue their winning streak in this upcoming game scheduled for August 16th.


Aug 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pinch hitter Davis Schneider (36) during an at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

In their recent performance against the Oakland Athletics on August 9th, the Blue Jays demonstrated a solid defense and an offense that capitalized on opportunities. With a .303 batting average and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of .839 from that game alone, it's clear that Toronto's hitters are finding their rhythm at the plate. Notably, they managed to secure 10 hits which translated into three runs without committing a single error throughout the game. This level of play highlights not just their hitting prowess but also their defensive reliability.


Pitching has been another strong point for Toronto. Their bullpen showed exceptional control in their last outing, maintaining a WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched) of just 0.5 against Oakland - a testament to their ability to keep baserunners to a minimum and shut down opposing offenses efficiently.


However, it wasn't just against Oakland where Toronto shined. In back-to-back games against Baltimore Orioles on August 8th and 7th respectively, despite facing challenges including overcoming errors in one match and dealing with powerful late innings by opponents in another; they've shown tenacity. Particularly impressive was how they rallied from behind in both games - showcasing clutch hitting during critical moments which is crucial for success at Wrigley Field.


The Cubs should not be underestimated though; playing at home gives them an advantage not just from familiar surroundings but also from having local fan support which can often sway momentum in close encounters.


Given these factors, it's reasonable to predict that if Toronto maintains its current form - particularly its effective pitching and timely hitting - they stand a good chance of outperforming the Cubs come August 16th. However, baseball is unpredictable by nature; thus while statistics favor Toronto slightly more due to recent performances, anything can happen once both teams step onto the field.


Fans eager not to miss any action can catch this exciting matchup live on Apple TV+ starting at 2:20 PM EDT directly from Wrigley Field in Chicago.

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