Can the Cubs Outshine the Astros at Wrigley Field?

As the Chicago Cubs gear up to face the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming game on April 23 is poised to be a riveting contest, and based on recent performances, there's plenty for Cubs enthusiasts to feel optimistic about.

The Cubs have shown remarkable resilience and offensive firepower in their past games. Their most recent victory against the Colorado Rockies on April 1 was a testament to their tenacity. Despite an early lack of runs, they rallied in the sixth and seventh innings, securing a 5-0 win with nine hits. This performance highlighted their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities when it counts.

Shota Imanaga's pitching was particularly impressive during that game; he maintained an ERA of 0.0 across nine innings pitched – a stat that bodes well for his future starts. The bullpen also held strong with Yency Almonte securing a hold and contributing to keeping the Rockies scoreless.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Cubs in previous outings. Their March 31 game against Texas Rangers saw them fall short despite amassing twelve hits and scoring nine runs – defensive errors proved costly as they conceded five runs due to these mistakes.

Looking ahead at their matchup with HOU, there are areas where CHC can leverage their strengths. The Astros will undoubtedly bring stiff competition but considering CHC's .281 batting average from April 1 coupled with solid pitching stats (a WHIP of just 0.4444), they have what it takes to dominate if they maintain discipline both offensively and defensively.

The key for CHC will be consistency in hitting combined with error-free fielding – something that has been hit-or-miss in past games but is crucial against a team like HOU known for capitalizing on opponents' mistakes.

Fans should expect an intense battle as both teams strive for dominance early in this season's series. With home-field advantage and recent momentum behind them, there’s every reason for optimism among those rooting for Chicago’s beloved North Siders.

Mark your calendars: this showdown is scheduled for April 23 at Wrigley Field starting at 6:40 PM local time (Chicago). Fans can catch all the action live on TBS network – don't miss what promises to be an enthralling encounter between two formidable MLB teams!