Cubs Open Crucial Series with Orioles After Standings Shift in Tight NL Central

The Chicago Cubs (63-45) return to Wrigley Field for a weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles, sitting just one game behind Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Cubbies avoided a sweep in Milwaukee with a statement 10-3 win Wednesday and are now eyeing a series win against a talented but underperforming Orioles squad.

Cade Horton (4-3, 3.67 ERA) gets the start for the Cubs, while Baltimore counters with lefty Trevor Rogers (4-1, 1.49 ERA). Chicago’s offense has been led by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 27 homers and a recent surge from Matt Shaw, who’s driven in nine runs over his last 10 games.

Chicago also bolstered its pitching staff with deadline deals for Mike Soroka and Andrew Kittredge, adding depth and experience for a second-half push. With Milwaukee idle, the Cubs have a chance to climb back into a share of first place by Friday’s final out.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, and with playoff implications building, every inning counts in the Windy City.