Cubs vs Giants Preview: Two pitching teams clash on Saturday

The Giants came to Wrigleyville last week and put on a show you won't forget. They crushed the Cubs 18-3 in one game. Willy Adames launched a massive home run. Matt Chapman launched another one. The Giants' bats woke up and stayed awake. But the Cubs fought back in the next games. They won 3-2 and 2-1 in tight contests. This series has been wild. Now the Cubs get their chance at home again. They want payback. The Giants want to keep rolling. Saturday's game could go either way.

The Cubs are starting Javier Assad on Saturday. Assad is a steady pitcher who strikes out about five batters per game. He's got a great WHIP of 0.33, which means he doesn't give up many hits or walks. The Cubs are missing some rotation help right now. Jameson Taillon is out with a hamstring injury. Matthew Boyd had a setback too. Assad got the call to help out. He threw a shutout in relief not long ago. Now he gets a chance to start against the Giants. The pressure is on, but Assad looks ready.

The Cubs are 35-34 this season. They're right in the middle of the race. They just won one game and want to build on that. Their lineup has depth and balance. The Giants are 28-41 and struggling. They just won one game too. Both teams need this win. The Cubs play better at home. They're 20-15 at their stadium. The Giants are only 13-18 on the road. Saturday is the Cubs' chance to take control. Assad on the mound plus a home crowd could make all the difference.