The Cubs and Blue Jays wrap up their series in Toronto as Matthew Boyd faces Max Scherzer in a tilt that leans Cubs’ way on the mound but features a dangerous Jays lineup that mustered only two hits in a recent loss. Horton dazzled last time, yielding one hit and one run across 5.2 innings to push his win total to seven, with Matt Shaw and Michael Busch matching with home runs for Chicago. Toronto’s bats were quiet, making bullpen depth and game plan critical in this afternoon’s outing.

NBC Sports’ projection model and staff picks favor a Cubs-led matchup with a tight run total at 8.0 and a 1.5 spread in the Jays’ favor at Rogers Centre. Boyd’s 11-5 record and 2.46 ERA contrast with Scherzer’s 4.21 ERA, but recent strikeout bursts for Scherzer—five, five, then 11 in his last three starts—keep his upside in play. The Cubs’ offense, led by Horton, Shaw, and Busch, has shown pop when needed, while Toronto’s rotation advantage hinges on execution and limiting Chicago’s big-inning threats.