Cubs to Test Mettle Against Rangers at Globe Life Field
As the Chicago Cubs prepare to face off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, fans are eager to see how the team's previous season performance will translate into this new challenge. The Cubs, with a batting average of .254 last season, showcased a solid offensive lineup that managed 786 runs batted in (RBI) and hit 196 home runs. Their on-base plus slugging (OPS) stood at .751, indicating a decent combination of contact and power hitting.
The team's ability to get on base was moderate with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .330. However, their slugging percentage (SLG) was less impressive at .421, reflecting potential room for improvement in extra-base hits. The isolated power (ISO), which measures raw power, was recorded at .167 – suggesting that while they can hit for extra bases, there might be an opportunity for more consistent power hitting.
In clutch situations last year with runners in scoring position (RISP), the Cubs had 1406 at-bats and secured 382 hits. This indicates that they have players who can step up when it counts but also highlights areas where they could capitalize more effectively.
On the pitching side, the team posted an earned run average (ERA) of just over four runs per game and a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of approximately 1.28 – numbers that suggest there is room for improvement on the mound. Their strikeout-to-walk ratio was quite strong though at around 2.68 strikeouts per walk given up.
Defensively speaking, their fielding percentage was high at .984 with only 92 errors across thousands of total chances; however, turning double plays seemed less frequent with only 137 over the course of last season.
As we look ahead to this matchup in Arlington's Globe Life Field—a venue known for its hitter-friendly dimensions—the Cubs' hitters may find opportunities to exploit these conditions if they can maintain or improve upon their previous stats.
Fans can catch all the action live as it unfolds on March 28th when these two teams collide under Texas skies. The game is scheduled for a first pitch at 6:35 PM CDT and will be broadcasted by ESPN.