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Blue Jays and Cubs to Weave a Classic at Wrigley

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face off against the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Wrigley Field, fans are in for a classic showdown that promises excitement and high stakes. The upcoming game, scheduled for August 16, 2024, at 2:20 PM ET, will be broadcast on Apple TV+, offering fans a chance to witness every pitch and play from one of baseball's most storied venues.


Aug 13, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays have shown resilience and skill in their recent games, demonstrating both their strengths and areas for improvement. In their last outing against the Athletics, despite a loss with an 8-4 scoreline, Toronto showcased its ability to rally late in the game. This resilience could be crucial as they head into Wrigley Field—a venue known for its unique challenges including unpredictable winds that can turn routine fly balls into adventurous plays.


Analyzing past performances reveals key trends: The Blue Jays' bullpen has been effective with an ERA of 1.0 across recent games indicating strong closing performances. However, consistency at bat needs improvement; while they've shown power with an OPS of .739 in one game and .779 in another indicating potential for big innings, maintaining this throughout nine innings has been challenging.


Aug 13, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) turns the double play against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto's fielding has been solid with a perfect fielding percentage in two out of three recent games showing reliability on defense which will be essential in handling the Cubs' hitters who are known to capitalize on any defensive lapses.


On offense, hitting under pressure situations appears as an area needing attention; despite having runners in scoring positions multiple times across these games, converting these opportunities into runs has been inconsistent. Improving clutch hitting could turn close games into wins for Toronto.


Aug 13, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Paul DeJong (10) breaks his bat during the fifth inning the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

As we look towards this matchup at Wrigley Field—a ballpark where history is often made—the Blue Jays must leverage their bullpen strength while finding more consistency at bat especially during critical moments. Fans tuning in or attending will not only experience baseball but also become part of a narrative that continues to define this sport's rich history.


Catch this exciting clash between the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs live from Wrigley Field on August 16th at 2:20 PM ET on Apple TV+.

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