The Chicago Cubs will close out their three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, July 3, with the confidence of a team playing strong baseball at home and sitting comfortably in playoff position with a 46-32 record. Wrigley Field has been kind to the Cubs this season, as they’ve gone 24-13 in front of their home crowd, and they’ve shown a reliable ability to win when favored, covering the moneyline in over 68% of those games. The team’s offensive identity has been shaped by a combination of discipline, power, and depth, with Kyle Tucker leading the charge with a .290 batting average and .533 slugging percentage. Tucker’s blend of consistency and power has made him one of the most impactful midseason additions in baseball, and he’s received strong support from Seiya Suzuki, who has quietly put together a standout season with a .258 average and .546 slugging percentage. Michael Busch has also emerged as an important piece, hitting .282 with a .517 SLG while providing versatility in the lineup. The Cubs’ offense doesn’t rely on a single superstar but rather a collective that works counts, puts the ball in play, and produces timely extra-base hits, especially in late innings.

On the mound, Chicago hands the ball to rising right-hander Cade Horton, who brings electric stuff and a promising profile as one of the franchise’s most exciting young arms. While still developing at the major league level, Horton has shown he can generate swings and misses with his fastball-slider combo and keep hitters off balance with occasional changes in pitch shape and sequencing. Against a Cleveland team that has been solid but not overwhelming offensively, Horton has a good opportunity to pitch deep into the game and potentially deliver one of his most efficient outings of the season. Chicago’s bullpen, anchored by experienced arms like Adbert Alzolay and Julian Merryweather, has been consistent and dependable when protecting late leads, something that has made the Cubs so tough to beat in close contests. Defensively, the Cubs continue to play clean baseball, ranking well in defensive runs saved and excelling at turning double plays, particularly up the middle with Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. They’ve held opponents to low run totals at home and typically find ways to manufacture just enough offense to support their arms. Coming into this game as -158 moneyline favorites and -1.5 run line favorites with a game total of 8.5, oddsmakers clearly believe in the Cubs’ combination of pitching advantage, home dominance, and offensive consistency. A series win over Cleveland would further strengthen their NL Central standing and provide momentum heading into the All-Star break, and if Horton gives them five solid innings while the middle of the order capitalizes on run-scoring opportunities, Chicago could be in for another textbook Wrigley Field win. This is a team playing with quiet confidence, executing in all phases of the game, and sending a message that they intend to be major players in the National League postseason picture.