"The Cubs (27-14) finally hit another rough patch this weekend, suffering consecutive shutouts to drop the series in Texas against the Rangers. The back-to-back blankings snapped their second 10-game winning streak of the season before a showdown with the other team that is tearing up the National League."
"The Braves (28-13) are currently lapping the field in the NL East with a nine-game lead in the standings. It's been a complete 180 from a disastrous injury-filled 2025 that saw them finish way behind in the standings. Atlanta has the best offense in baseball so far, with a .784 team OPS that ranks first in MLB and 57 home runs to trail only the Yankees (64). First baseman Matt Olson is probably the biggest threat in the lineup with 14 home runs and a 1.031 OPS."
"Don't worry, the Bravos also have the best pitching in MLB with a league-leading 3.13 team ERA. Veteran fire-baller Chris Sale leads a very strong starting rotation with a 2.20 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 49 innings. The bullpen is slightly worse than the rotation, but it's still in the top 10 with a 3.31 ERA. Former Padres reliever Robert Suárez and Raisel Iglesias have been lights out at the back end of the 'pen."
"This is going to be a big challenge for the Cubs against a team firing on all cylinders. They have always struggled in Atlanta, but it should be fun to see a clash between two of the best squaeds in the game."
The Cubs dropped a series in Texas after consecutive shutouts, ending a second 10-game winning streak and bringing their record to 27-14. The Braves lead the NL East by nine games at 28-13, showing a major turnaround from an injury-filled 2025. Atlanta has the best offense in baseball with a .784 team OPS and 57 home runs, led by Matt Olson’s 14 homers and 1.031 OPS. Drake Baldwin has 10 home runs, while Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies are also producing. The Braves also have MLB’s best pitching with a 3.13 team ERA, led by Chris Sale’s 2.20 ERA and 54 strikeouts, plus a top-10 bullpen featuring Robert Suárez and Raisel Iglesias. The Cubs will face a difficult matchup against a team performing at full strength.
Read at Cubsinsider
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