Tigers Game Preview: Cubs vs Tigers - August 22, 2024 - Who Will Break the 62-65 Stalemate?

The stage is set for a thrilling Tigers vs. Cubs matchup on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Wrigley Field. With both teams sharing identical records of 62-65, this game holds significant weight for their postseason dreams.

While the Tigers have flashed offensive brilliance lately, the Cubs have been grappling with consistency issues. The big question is: Who will seize the moment in this pivotal game?

How to Watch

• Date: August 22, 2024
• Time: 2:20 PM ET
• Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
• TV: Bally Sports, DirecTV (channel 663)
• Streaming: Fubo, MLB.TV
• Radio: 97.1 The Ticket

Odds

• Moneyline: Tigers +162 | Cubs -195
• Spread: Tigers +1.5 (-125) | Cubs -1.5 (+105)
• Total: Over/Under 8
• Tigers: Over (+100)
• Cubs: Under (-120)

Odds (via Caesars Sportsbook )

The Tigers’ Momentum

The Detroit Tigers come into this game with a burst of momentum after an impressive performance on Wednesday. With eight runs on the board, highlighted by home runs from Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, the Tigers demonstrated their offensive capabilities. However, they'll be facing Justin Steele, the Cubs' ace who sports a solid 3.10 ERA. Steele's recent form has been impressive, and the Tigers will need to bring their A-game to overcome his pitching.

Despite being ranked 23rd in the league, the Tigers' offense has shown they can surprise opponents, especially when it counts. Averaging 4.11 runs per game, they sit just below the Cubs' average of 4.17 runs per game. The Tigers’ challenge will be to capitalize on any scoring opportunities against a Cubs pitching staff ranked 9th in the league.

Cubs’ Consistency Woes

On the flip side, the Cubs' offense has struggled to find its groove, managing just two runs in their last outing. While their pitching has been a strong suit, the question remains whether their offense can step up when it matters most. The Cubs' slight edge in run differential (0.05) over the Tigers (-0.04) suggests a closely contested game. The Cubs will lean heavily on Steele to hold the Tigers at bay, hoping their bats can muster just enough to secure the win.

Prediction: Cubs 4, Tigers 2

Given the Cubs' advantage in starting pitching and the Tigers' inconsistent offense, a low-scoring game seems likely. The Tigers may find it tough to score against Steele, while the Cubs' bats, despite their struggles, might do just enough to eke out a win.