With the series all square at 1-1, the Tigers (58-68, 27-34 home) are giving the start to Tarik Skubal while the Cubs will send Jameson Taillon to the mound. Check out who I see coming out on top in this Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago Cubs showdown at Comerica Park.

CHICAGO CUBS VS DETROIT TIGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Chicago Cubs +100

This game will be played at Comerica Park at 1:10 ET on Wednesday, August 23rd.

WHY BET THE CHICAGO CUBS:

  • In their last five games, the Cubs have a record of 3-2.
  • Over their last five games on the road, Chicago has a straight-up record of 3-2.
  • The Tigers’ are just 3-5 in Tarik Skubal’s eight starts.

CHICAGO CUBS TRYING TO CLOSE GAP IN NL CENTRAL

For the season, the Cubs have put together a record of 65-60 and are 2nd in the NL Central, putting them 3.5 games out of first place. Chicago’s overall series record sits at 21-14-5. On the road, they have gone 30-30 and 35-30 at home.

Today, Chicago starter Jameson Taillon will attempt to reduce the number of home-runs he has allowed in his past four outings. His current season record stands at 7-8 and his ERA is 5.56. Taillon has recorded 94 strikeouts so far, giving him a K/9 rate of 7.69, while also averaging 2.62 walks per 9 innings pitched.

Jameson Taillon’s latest start ended in a 4-3 loss to the Royals, but the right-hander put forth a quality outing. The Cubs’ starter allowed four runs over six innings of work.

As a team, Chicago has scuffled at the plate of late, with a combined batting average of just .224 over their last ten games. Compared to other teams, this is just 24th in that span. When looking at the team’s power numbers, they have a season-long slugging percentage of .420% while going deep a total of 154 times (10th). Overall, the Cubs are 5th in the MLB at 5 runs per contest.

Seiya Suzuki has been a consistent presence in the Chicago lineup this season, boasting a .263 batting average and .427 slugging percentage. During the team’s last ten games, Suzuki has been on fire at the plate, leading the team with hits and posting a .354 batting average.

WILL THE DETROIT TIGERS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

126 games into the season, the Tigers have a record of 58-68, putting them 3rd in the AL Central. This mark includes an overall series 17-20-5. At home, they are 27-34 compared to 31-34 on the road.

The Tigers will turn to starter Tarik Skubal, who is 3-2 on the season. Through eight appearances, Skubal has posted an ERA of 3.76 and a K/9 of 10.1. He has also put together a FIP of 1.99 and an OBP of .273 thus far in 2023.

Tarik Skubal earned the victory in his most recent start against the Guardians, allowing one earned run and three hits over six innings. The Tigers emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline.

So far this season, the Tigers’ has gone deep 129 times, placing them 18th in the league. Over Detroit’s previous five games, they are 12th in runs scored, with their season average of 4 runs per game putting them 28th in the league. The Tigers’ overall team batting average stands at .236 along with an OBP of .301.

Spencer Torkelson has been a key contributor to the Detroit offense this season, boasting a .237 batting average and .449 slugging percentage. In the team’s last ten games, Torkelson has been on fire, leading the Tigers in hits and batting an impressive .337.