Cubs Seek to Halt Losing Streak Against Giants in Series Finale

The Chicago Cubs are determined to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the San Francisco Giants as they prepare for the series finale on Thursday, August 31, 2023. After starting the series with aspirations of closing the gap on the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs now find themselves 6.5 games behind the division leaders. Following two losses in San Francisco, they sit just 1.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres in the race for the wild-card spot.

In contrast, the Giants enter this matchup with momentum on their side, having won four consecutive games for the first time since early July. This success has allowed them to surpass the Arizona Diamondbacks for third place in the NL West, although they remain seven games away from the final wild-card position.

A key player for San Francisco has been Rafael Devers, who has made a significant impact during this series. He had four hits, including two home runs and five RBIs, in the Giants’ commanding 12-3 victory over the Cubs on Wednesday. Heliot Ramos highlighted the team’s reliance on Devers, stating, “We’re all getting on base for Raffy. You always want him at the plate.”

The Cubs will face a challenging task as they send left-hander Shota Imanaga to the mound. Imanaga, who holds an 8-6 record with a 3.03 ERA, has struggled to secure wins in August despite a solid 2.33 ERA in his four starts. He has received limited run support, with just seven runs total in those outings. In his only previous encounter against the Giants, he allowed three runs during a no-decision in June 2024.

On the opposing side, the Giants will rely on ace right-hander Logan Webb, who boasts a 12-9 record and a 3.13 ERA. Webb has been in excellent form, allowing just one run over his last two starts, both victories against the Tampa Bay Rays and the Brewers. He has a 2-1 record with a 4.05 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs.

The Cubs are also navigating some roster challenges, as manager Craig Counsell confirmed that rotation regular Jameson Taillon will be placed on the injured list due to a slight left groin strain. This decision reflects the team’s focus on the postseason, as Counsell emphasized the importance of not taking unnecessary risks at this stage in the season. He stated, “I think sending him out there Saturday puts something at risk. I don’t think this is the right time to push it.”

As the Cubs aim to turn their fortunes around in the series finale, the outcome will have significant implications for both teams as they fight for playoff positioning. The atmosphere at Oracle Park is expected to be charged as these two teams clash in a crucial matchup.