On the late afternoon of September 17, 2024, baseball enthusiasts will be treated to a game between the Oakland Athletics and the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM under clear skies.

The Athletics are set to send Mitch Spence to the hill, who carries an ERA of 4.325 this season. Countering for the Cubs will be Jordan Wicks, whose ERA stands at 5.268. Looking at their standings in the 2024 season, the Athletics find themselves 13th in the AL West with a winning percentage of .430 due to their 65-86 record. They have won 4 of their recent 10 games but are currently on a three-game losing streak. The Cubs, on the other hand, are in a slightly better position, ranked 8th in the NL Central with a record of 77-73, which translates to a .510 winning percentage. Their current form includes 5 victories in their last 10 outings and a two-game winning streak.

As for betting insights, the game holds several intriguing odds. The point spread is set at -1.5 in favor of the Cubs, and the Over/Under for total runs scored in the game is fixed at 8.0. The MoneyLine reflects the home advantage for the Cubs, priced at -166, while the Athletics stand at +141, suggesting a slight tilt towards the Cubs by the oddsmakers based on recent performances and home-field advantage. These betting lines provide an interesting stance for those looking to engage with this matchup beyond the spectacle of sport.