The Chicago Cubs are looking to bounce back and even up their series against the Atlanta Braves tonight, with first pitch set for 6:15 CT. After a dominant 10-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday, the Cubs have dropped three straight games—a pattern that's become all too familiar this season.
Here's a fun stat to keep an eye on: the Cubs are a perfect 6-0 on Wednesdays this year, splitting that record evenly between home and road games. If there's any day to turn things around, it's today.
One bright spot has been Michael Busch, who's been on fire since April 20. Over his last 21 games, he's hitting .303 with a .432 on-base percentage, six doubles, a triple, three home runs, and 20 RBIs. That's the kind of production any team would love to have in the middle of the lineup.
On the mound, Shōta Imanaga has been nothing short of spectacular. In his last seven starts, he's posted a 1.70 ERA with a 0.850 WHIP and 46 strikeouts over 42.1 innings. Perhaps most impressive? He's only allowed three home runs in that span—a huge positive for a pitcher who's been so dominant. The complaint department is officially closed on Imanaga for now.
That said, the Braves have some hitters who've had success against him. Matt Olson is 4-for-8 with a triple, and Ozzie Albies is 5-for-9. It'll be a battle to watch as the game unfolds.
Atlanta will counter with JR Ritchie, a 22-year-old right-hander who was the Braves' first-round compensation pick in 2022. He made his MLB debut on April 23 and has put together three solid starts so far. He's never faced the Cubs or anyone on their active roster, which could work in Chicago's favor as they look to get back in the win column.
It's a midweek matchup in Atlanta, and the Cubs have history on their side—at least on Wednesdays. Let's see if they can keep that streak alive and get back to their winning ways.
