The Chicago Cubs are poised to continue their impressive run as they face the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday evening. With a remarkable historical record of 10 wins against only 2 losses at Camden Yards, the Cubs have consistently found success in Baltimore, particularly in their recent visits. Their last four contests in the city, dating back to 2024, have seen them concede a mere four runs in total, securing victories in each outing.
Fresh off a 5-2 triumph in the rain-delayed series opener on Tuesday, the Cubs have now claimed victory in seven of their last nine overall games, demonstrating their current strong form. A key contributor to their recent success is center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is currently enjoying a seven-game hitting streak. His performance on Tuesday, going 2-for-5 with an RBI, further solidified his hot streak, during which he boasts an impressive .458 batting average (11-for-24) and has launched 12 home runs in his last 30 games since June 3. Chicago manager Craig Counsell praised Crow-Armstrong's dual ability, highlighting his capacity to both get on base and hit home runs as a hallmark of a truly great player.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles are determined to rebound after managing only six singles in their initial encounter with the Cubs, hoping to prevent a third consecutive defeat. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman acknowledged the team's ongoing progress in pitching and their offensive potential, emphasizing the need for continued effort in the challenging game of baseball, a challenge he believes his team is well-equipped to handle. The Cubs will send Colin Rea (6-5, 4.74 ERA) to the mound for the middle game of the series. Rea, who had not secured a win since May 28, broke his drought on July 1 by limiting the San Diego Padres to two runs over five innings. The Orioles will counter with right-hander Dean Kremer (1-1, 3.18 ERA), making his second start since his return from the injured list. Despite it being only his fourth appearance of the season, Kremer delivered a stellar performance on July 1 against the Chicago White Sox, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out four over six innings. With Shane Baz having pitched six innings in Tuesday's loss, the Orioles' bullpen should be well-rested for Wednesday's game. Reliever Tyler Wells, who was not deployed in the series opener, has demonstrated his versatility, recently earning his first two saves of the season in Cincinnati after closer Ryan Helsley was placed on the injured list. Manager Craig Albernaz lauded Wells' consistent competitive spirit, regardless of the situation. Additionally, Nick Raquet, a left-handed reliever recently called up from Triple-A Norfolk, made a strong impression by pitching a shutout ninth inning in Tuesday's game, offering another valuable option for the Orioles' bullpen.
The current baseball season consistently presents opportunities for teams to showcase their resilience and skill. The Cubs' consistent performance and the Orioles' determination to overcome challenges reflect the competitive spirit inherent in the sport. These contests not only highlight individual talent but also underscore the importance of teamwork and strategic depth in achieving success and inspiring fans with thrilling displays of athleticism.
