Chicago Cubs vs Tampa Bay Rays Pick Prediction 6/13

Just when Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was lamenting his team’s lackluster offense, Cody Bellinger stepped up and delivered a knockout punch that would make Rocky Balboa jealous. Let’s dive into the hilarious and dramatic saga that is our Chicago Cubs vs Tampa Bay Rays Pick Prediction 6/13

Bellinger smashed a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, propelling the Cubs to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. Now, Chicago aims to clinch the three-game series in tonight’s grand finale at St. Petersburg, Fla. Let’s dive into the hilarious and dramatic saga that is our pick prediction for 6/13.

The Heroic Homer

Bellinger’s seventh-inning blast didn’t just clear the fence; it probably entered orbit. This clutch hit turned the game on its head, pushing the Cubs to a 4-2 lead and improving their record to 2-4 on this seven-game road trip.

The Rays, still buzzing from Brandon Lowe’s walk-off homer the previous night, hoped for a repeat performance. Alas, Hector Neris wasn’t in a generous mood this time, securing the final out with a flyout that left Lowe shaking his head in disbelief.

Starting Pitchers

As we gear up for tonight’s showdown, we’re treated to a classic pitchers’ duel…or perhaps more accurately, a duel to see who can avoid giving up the most runs.

Chicago’s Justin Steele (0-3, 3.65 ERA) will face Tampa Bay’s Taj Bradley (1-4, 5.17 ERA). Both pitchers are in dire need of a win, which means the bats might be doing most of the talking. Steele, despite his respectable ERA, hasn’t been able to snag a win this season. In his past three starts, he boasts a 0.95 ERA, largely thanks to some rather creative fielding by his teammates.

Bradley, on the other hand, seems to be serving up home runs like they’re on sale. With eight long balls in six starts, his ERA is looking more bloated than a Thanksgiving turkey.

Chicago Cubs – Justin Steele (LHP)

Season Stats: 0-3, 3.65 ERA
Last Three Starts: 0-1, 0.95 ERA
Career vs. Rays: 0-1, 6.35 ERA
Key Insight: Despite a solid ERA, Steele’s win-loss record is hindered by poor run support and fielding errors.

Tampa Bay Rays – Taj Bradley (RHP)

Season Stats: 1-4, 5.17 ERA
Home Runs Allowed: 8 in 6 starts
Career vs. Cubs: 0-1, 0.00 ERA (1 unearned run in 5 2/3 innings)
Key Insight: Bradley’s struggles with the long ball could be pivotal, especially against power hitters like Bellinger.