Chicago Cubs @ Baltimore Orioles – Series Preview (July 7-9): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (50-40) lost their first series in almost a month when they dropped two of three to the rival Cardinals at Wrigley Field over the Fourth of July weekend. The offense that had been rolling the past three weeks went cold in the first two games, but they took advantage of some defensive miscues by St. Louis to avoid the sweep on Sunday. Now they finish the first half with a road trip that begins on Tuesday with a series against the Orioles.
It’s been another tough year for Baltimore (42-49) after finishing in last place in the American League East in 2025. They have gone 8-12 in their last 20, and frustration is growing as the once-promising young core fizzles out.
O’s hitters sit in the middle of the league with a .714 team OPS that ranks 17th. Big free agent acquisition Pete Alonso has been very good with 19 homers and a team-leading .804 OPS. Third baseman Blaze Alexander has been a pleasant surprise so far, and shortstop Gunnar Henderson is a legit power threat despite regressing from his MVP-caliber 2024 season.
Baltimore’s pitching staff is also in the middle of the pack with a 4.34 team ERA that ranks 16th in MLB. Kyle Bradish has been the best starter this season, but the Cubs will not see him in this series. Dean Kremer has been good after missing the first two months of the season with an injury.
The Orioles bullpen suffered a blow when closer Ryan Helsley went on the injured list with a sore elbow. Rico Garcia and Tyler Wells have been two of the better relievers this season for a unit that ranks 18th in baseball with a 4.25 ERA.
The Cubs head into the break with a pair of matchups against struggling squads, but no one needs a reminder that this team has had its own issues at times. Camden Yards is a hitter-friendly environment, so maybe the bats can come back to life after the hiccup over the weekend. It would be nice to end the first half on a high note.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Tuesday, July 7 at 5:35pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, July 8 at 5:35pm CT on Marquee.
- Thursday, July 9 at 5:35pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 7/7 | Matthew Boyd | 35 | L | 5.08 | 3-1 | 3.44 | 3.70 |
| Shane Baz | 27 | R | 4.19 | 4-8 | 3.79 | 2.23 | |
| 7/8 | Colin Rea | 36 | R | 4.74 | 6-5 | 4.86 | 2.00 |
| Dean Kremer | 30 | R | 3.18 | 1-1 | 5.11 | 6.67 | |
| 7/9 | David Peterson | 30 | L | 6.75 | 4-7 | 4.09 | 2.06 |
| Trevor Rogers | 28 | L | 4.70 | 6-7 | 4.02 | 2.24 |
What to Watch For
- Ian Happ is hitting .196 with just four home runs since June 1.
- Carson Kelly has reached base seven times in his last three games.
- Alonso has hit 15 homers in 40 career games against the Cubs.
- Peterson allowed 10 runs to the Cardinals on Friday.
