Cubs Seek to Break Series Opening Slump Against Giants

SAN FRANCISCO — As the Chicago Cubs prepare for their matchup against the San Francisco Giants this Friday, they are hoping to end a troubling trend. The Cubs have dropped the first game in seven consecutive series and have triumphed in just one of their last nine series openers. Their most recent victory in a first game came against the White Sox on May 15, following a win against Texas on May 8.

Historically, the Cubs have struggled in initial games, with an 8-14 record in such matchups this season, including a 3-8 record on the road. However, they have shown some resilience, winning three out of six road series openers after coming off a series win. Their performance improves with each successive game; they hold an 11-11 record in second games, a 13-9 mark in third games, and are undefeated in fourth games.

The Cubs have had a rough time in San Francisco recently, managing only one win in their last seven visits to Oracle Park. Their most recent series win in the Bay Area dates back to 2013, when they swept a three-game series. The team’s only initial-game victory in their last seven trips to San Francisco occurred in 2023.

On a positive note, Pete Crow-Armstrong is on a notable 15-game on-base streak, boasting a .359 batting average with four doubles, a triple, five home runs, nine RBIs, and three stolen bases. The Cubs will be looking to leverage this momentum as they continue their road trip.

In tonight's pitching matchup, Javier Assad, who recently delivered an impressive performance against the Giants, will take the mound against Landen Roupp. Assad pitched 6.1 innings of one-hit ball last Sunday, while Roupp held the Cubs to just one run over 5.1 innings in their last encounter. Fans can tune in to the game on the Marquee Sports Network, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:15 PM CT.