Event of the Day: Chicago Cubs versus Atlanta Braves

Our event of the day is the MLB fixture between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The National League Central division leaders host the National League East division leaders for the third game of their current four game series. So far, the teams have taken a game each in the series as Chicago looks to rise further above division rivals the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta looks to increase the cushion between them and the Philadelphia Phillies. Be sure you don’t miss what will be a very exciting game. After a heart-breaking thirteenth inning loss in last season’s National League Wild Card game to the Colorado Rockies, the Chicago Cubs shook things up. They let go of their pitching, hitting and bench coaches while making minimal free agent signings. The approach initially appeared to backfire as Chicago began the 2019 season 3-7 through the first ten games. However, as the All-Star break draws near, Chicago are at the top of the NL Central with a record of 43-36. This came about because they ended April and began May by winning 13 of 15 and have relied on their strong home record to make up for troubles on the road. Overall, their offense has been solid, with catcher Willson Contreras’ .296 batting average the best amongst Chicago’s talented batters. Meanwhile, their pitching has the third best ERA in the National League and has given up the fifth lowest number of hits. However, they have been unable to separate themselves in any meaningful capacity from their division rivals, the Brewers. On the other side of the field, the Atlanta Braves are looking to retain the NL East title and make a bold return to the playoffs after being swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS last season. As it stands near the season’s midpoint, they are sitting comfortably atop the NL East at a record of 47-33, 5.5 games clear of the Phillies. They have been strong both at home and on the road with Freddie Freeman leading the team’s offense, hitting .311 with 21 home runs. In particular, they are having a highly successful June, having gone 17-6 this month alone. This is the second series between the two sides this season, with Atlanta sweeping the Cubs to begin April. In the first game of this latest series, the Cubs punished pitcher Julio Teherán in an 8-3 win for the home side. The Braves’ starter gave up nine hits in four innings of work, putting the Cubs at 12-11 in the month of June. Yesterday, the Braves set the tone of the second game as Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a home run on the opening pitch. Chicago took the lead in the fourth inning through a two-run double from Contreras but a two-run home run from Ozzie Albies in the seventh inning was enough to secure a 3-2 Atlanta victory. With Milwaukee losing to Seattle last night, a win tonight would be the perfect way for Chicago to gain some breathing room at the top of their division. Meanwhile, Atlanta will look to continue their winning ways. Whatever happens, you won’t want to miss this game. 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Cricket World Cup where New Zealand face Pakistan at Edgbaston. New Zealand our second in the standings with a 5-0-1 record, cementing them as one of the best teams in the tournament. Meanwhile, Pakistan are down in 7th with their 2-3-1 record. They are still very much in the mix for a semi-final spot however. Be sure to tune in to see if New Zealand can continue their winning ways or Pakistan can make a late tournament push. Also in the MLB, the Minnesota Twins host the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field in Minneapolis. The medal events take place in the women’s individual compound and recurve archery events at the European Games in Minsk, Belarus. In the WNBA, the Chicago Sky host the Washington Mystics at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. In the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Panama face the United States at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. In tennis, the Nature Valley International continues at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club in Eastbourne. 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy! 

Fixture 

Photos by Braves; Cubs 

 

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