The Cubs have outscored the Orioles 13-2 in the first two games of this series. Look for Baltimore, which leads MLB in OPS (.772), to avoid the sweep at home behind Albert Suarez. He owns a 1.50 ERA over five home starts. Chicago lefty Justin Steele also is in fine form, but Baltimore's offense is too good to get shut down for a third straight day.

Try to identify where a team might be more motivated than a typical day (although at this point in the season, I think all teams are worn down -- hence some weird results pre-break). That would sure seem to be the case here for the Orioles to avoid a home sweep, which hasn't happened to them since 2022. Starting pitcher Albert Suarez is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA at home, and no Cody Bellinger for the Cubbies. Bellinger is not having the season he had in 2023 but still a big loss and had a very strong first two games at Camden Yards -- he's headed to the IL with a fractured finger. There goes the trade market.

The Baltimore Orioles look to avoid the sweep, knowing they are 7-3 in game three of a series off a loss. Albert Suarez has pitched better at home (1.50 ERA, .212 average against) than on the road (3.31 ERA, .248 average against) this season. The Chicago Cubs will send a lefty to the hill for the second straight game. Justin Steele is coming off a gem, throwing a complete game while allowing just two hits and one earned run. The Cubs are just 4-9 when Steele is on the bump despite winning three of his previous four starts. Baltimore went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position on Wednesday, and they are ranked third in OPS (.786) vs. left-handed pitchers.