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Chicago Cubs vs Baltimore Orioles August 1st 2025
The Baltimore Orioles will visit the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, August 1, 2025. The game is set for an afternoon start at 2:20 PM and will be aired on MASN. The Orioles hold a record of 50-59 and are ranked 5th in the AL East. They have a recent streak of one loss but have won 6 of their last 10 games.
The Cubs, with a record of 63-45, are 2nd in the NL Central. They recently won a game but have won only 4 of their last 10. The weather forecast for the game is mild with a light breeze and broken clouds. Trevor Rogers will start for the Orioles, while Cade Horton will take the mound for the Cubs.
Orioles vs Cubs Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs
- Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
- Betting Odds: Orioles Moneyline +123, Cubs Moneyline -147, Orioles Runline +1.5 (-180), Cubs Runline -1.5 (+149), Total Over 7.5 (-106), Total Under 7.5 (-115)
The Orioles Can Win If…
The Baltimore Orioles recently played against the Toronto Blue Jays, losing 9-8. Despite the loss, the Orioles showed strong hitting with 10 hits and 2 home runs. Jordan Westburg and Ryan O’Hearn each hit a home run, contributing to the team’s scoring efforts.
The Orioles have a strong chance to win their next game due to their solid hitting stats. They rank 9th in slugging percentage and doubles, showing they can hit for power. Their batting lineup includes players like Gunnar Henderson, who has a .285 average, and Jackson Holliday, who has 14 home runs.
Trevor Rogers will start for the Orioles, boasting an impressive 1.49 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. His ability to limit runs and keep hitters off base will be key. With strong pitching and a capable batting lineup, the Orioles have the tools needed to secure a win.
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a strong 10-3 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. In that game, Pete Crow-Armstrong led the offense with three hits, including two doubles. Shota Imanaga pitched five innings, striking out eight batters and allowing only three runs.
The Cubs have one of the top offenses in the league, ranking second in slugging percentage at .444. They also rank third in home runs with 158, showing their ability to score quickly. Players like Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch provide power, with Suzuki hitting 26 homers and Busch adding 21 this season.
On the mound, Cade Horton will start for the Cubs. Horton has a 3.67 ERA and has shown he can keep opposing offenses in check. With the Cubs’ strong lineup and Horton’s solid pitching, they have a good chance to win against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Lean
The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -147, while the Orioles are at +123. The Cubs have a stronger hitting lineup, ranking 3rd in batting average and 2nd in slugging percentage. The Orioles’ pitching struggles with a 4.90 ERA, ranked 27th. My model projects the Cubs to win 5-3. I recommend taking the Cubs on the moneyline.
The total for the game is set at 7.5, with the over at -106 and the under at -115. The Cubs’ offense is potent, and the Orioles’ pitching is weak, suggesting a higher-scoring game. My model projects a total score of 8. I recommend betting on the over 7.5.
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The Baltimore Orioles will present a markedly different look when they open a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Friday. After shipping veterans to load up on prospects, they will lean on their pitching staff to keep pace in an increasingly tight American League Wild Card race. For a deeper preview of the contenders, see our MLB previews.
Orioles Trade-Deadline Overhaul
Baltimore moved several key contributors before the deadline, surrendering outfielder Cedric Mullins and reliever Gregory Soto to the Mets, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano to the Padres, and reliever Seranthony Domínguez to Toronto. Third baseman Ramon Urías headed to Houston, while right-handers Andrew Kittredge and Bryan Baker were dealt to Chicago and Tampa Bay, respectively. In exchange, the O’s acquired multiple prospects and bolstered their farm system. Their most eye-catching addition was 17-year-old shortstop Wilfri De La Cruz. Despite the roster shake-up, Baltimore has continued to produce strong results, including an 18–0 rout of Colorado in which Trevor Rogers allowed one hit over seven shutout innings—one of the season’s most dominant performances. For more on recent outcomes, check our MLB game results.
Cubs Bolster for the Stretch Run
Chicago flipped into buy-mode, adding right-hander Michael Soroka from Washington, lefty Taylor Rogers from Pittsburgh, and utility player Willi Castro from Minnesota. Manager Craig Counsell also welcomed back Andrew Kittredge from Baltimore, giving the Cubs more depth in the late innings. These reinforcements should pay dividends down the stretch. For an in-depth breakdown of how these moves affect the odds, consult our expert MLB betting guide.
Starting Pitching Matchup
Left-hander Trevor Rogers (4–1, 1.49 ERA) takes the mound for Baltimore. He posted a 3–1 record with a 1.03 ERA in July against sub-.500 opponents and arrives riding a seven-inning one-hitter. Opposing him will be rookie right-hander Cade Horton (4–3, 3.67 ERA), who posted a 1.52 ERA in July and brings a 12⅔-inning shutout streak into the opener. Both rely on precise execution and a calm approach. For real-time wagering insights, see our MLB picks.
Cade Horton’s ability to reset quickly after mistakes has impressed Counsell, while Rogers must silence doubts that his early success is a fluke. Prospects and rising stars are spotlighted on our leaderboard of top handicappers, a valuable resource for under-the-radar bets.
Series Outlook
Baltimore’s pitching remains its greatest asset, but the offense must compensate for the loss of veteran firepower. Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson will shoulder the run-production burden. Chicago’s reinforced bullpen and positional flexibility should enable more aggressive late-inning tactics. Bettors seeking an edge can purchase premium picks and follow live updates throughout the series.
Friday’s opener could set the tone for both clubs as the postseason push intensifies. The duel between Rogers and Horton embodies the larger narrative: established stars versus rising talent in a season defined by change.
