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The Chicago Cubs defeated the Baltimore Orioles 9–7 on July 8 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in a game that sailed well above the Vegas total of 10.5 runs. The Cubs' offense proved decisive despite recording just 8 hits, manufacturing 9 runs on 5 home runs and 8 RBIs while striking out 6 times. Baltimore answered with 14 hits and 4 homers of their own, but managed only 7 runs and 6 RBIs, leaving runners on base and squandering their offensive advantage. The Cubs' pitching held firm with a 4.36 ERA across 9 innings while allowing 14 hits, while Baltimore's staff surrendered 9 earned runs on just 8 hits—a concerning ratio that reflects poor command and timely Chicago power. The Orioles committed one error that may have contributed to their deficit. Chicago's ability to manufacture runs through the long ball compensated for their contact issues, a trend that could prove valuable in upcoming divisional matchups as the Cubs maintain their offensive upside despite modest hit totals.