The St. Louis Cardinals head to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs in an afternoon game on Friday, September 26, 2025. The Cardinals are currently in fourth place in the NL Central with a record of 78-81, trying to close their season on a high note. Meanwhile, the Cubs hold a record of 89-70, positioned second in the division as they seek to solidify their standing.
Recently, the Cardinals have shown resilience, posting a 6-4 record in their last 10 games. However, they are coming off a close 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants. The Cubs have encountered some challenges, winning only four of their last ten contests and are coming off an 8-5 loss to the New York Mets.
The game promises to unfold under clear skies with mild conditions, making for a pleasant day at Wrigley Field. Fans can catch the action live on MLBN. Both teams will aim to reverse their recent streaks and build momentum as they wrap up the regular season.
Cubs vs Cardinals At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Weather: Mild with a light breeze and clear skies
- TV Broadcast: MLBN
- Game Odds: Cubs favored at -173 moneyline
- Cardinals Record: 78-81, 4th in NL Central
- Cubs Record: 89-70, 2nd in NL Central
Chicago Cubs Ready to Take On Cardinals: A Data-Driven Preview
St. Louis Cardinals Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals are coming into this game with an eye on disrupting the Cubs’ momentum. Miles Mikolas will be taking the mound for the Cardinals, sporting an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.33.
Mikolas’s performance this season has been a mixed bag, with an 8-10 win-loss record. His ability to contain the Cubs’ hitters will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game.
Cardinals’ Offensive Highlights
The Cardinals’ lineup features a blend of power and consistency, making them a challenging opponent. Their offensive strategy often revolves around getting early runs on the board to support their pitchers.
Home runs and extra-base hits are a significant part of their offensive arsenal. The Cubs’ pitching will need to be sharp to neutralize these threats.
Key Players to Watch
While the Cardinals have several contributors, certain players are vital to their success. Their ability to perform under pressure can turn the tide in this game.
Key offensive players will need to bring their A-game against the Cubs’ pitching staff. Their performance could be the deciding factor in this contest.
Pitching Strategy
Miles Mikolas’s approach on the mound will be a focal point for the Cardinals. His experience and skill set make him a formidable opponent for the Cubs’ lineup.
Maintaining control and preventing big innings will be essential for Mikolas. His ability to work through the Cubs’ batting order without allowing significant damage will be crucial.
Betting Trends for the Cardinals
- Last 3 Games: Performance trends indicate varying outcomes, emphasizing the unpredictability of their games.
- As Underdog: Historically, the Cardinals have had mixed success in this role, making them a wildcard.
- In Away Games: They have struggled slightly more on the road, which could play into the Cubs’ favor at Wrigley Field.
Cardinals Head to Wrigley Field: Analyzing the Chicago Cubs’ Strategies and Key Players
Overview of the Chicago Cubs’ Season
The Chicago Cubs have shown competitive play throughout the 2025 season, maintaining a strong performance with a solid 10th rank in batting average at .246. Their on-base percentage of .314, ranked 14th, indicates a consistent ability to get players on base.
However, their slugging percentage at .380 places them 24th, suggesting that while they can get on base, converting those opportunities into runs through power hitting has been a challenge.
Key Hitters to Watch
The Cubs’ lineup has several standout players contributing to their offensive strategies. Though their home run count of 146 ranks them 25th, players like Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ have been instrumental in driving in runs and maintaining pressure on opposing pitchers.
The team’s ability to hit doubles, ranked 9th with 261, underscores their penchant for finding gaps and stretching singles into extra bases. This skill can be crucial against the Cardinals’ pitching staff.
Pitching Insights
On the mound, the Cubs have had a mixed season, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.24 placing them 20th in the league. Their pitching staff has managed to keep opponents’ batting average at .258, also ranked 20th, showing that they can hold opponents in check but have room for improvement.
Despite giving up 161 home runs, which ranks 4th, their 55 quality starts demonstrate their ability to have starters go deep into games, providing stability to their bullpen.
Player Spotlight: Colin Rea
Colin Rea, the starting pitcher for the Cubs against the Cardinals, enters the game with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.27. His record of 10-7 indicates he has been a reliable arm for the Cubs this season.
Rea’s ability to manage base runners and minimize scoring opportunities will be key against a Cardinals lineup looking to capitalize on any pitching miscues.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: Data not provided
- SU All Games: Data not provided
- Runline Last 3: Data not provided
- Runline All Games: Data not provided
- O/U Last 3: Data not provided
- O/U All Games: Data not provided
Cubs vs Cardinals Prediction: Over 9.0
The Cubs and Cardinals are set to meet at Wrigley Field, where both teams have shown offensive potential throughout the season. The Cubs, ranking 6th in slugging percentage and 7th in home runs, face a Cardinals team ranked 20th in ERA, suggesting potential for runs. With Miles Mikolas and Colin Rea on the mound, both sporting ERAs above 4.00, the game leans towards a higher scoring affair.
Historical data supports a higher scoring game, with recent matchups between these teams hitting the over more frequently. In their last 10 meetings, the over has hit 6 times, indicating a trend towards offensive output. Moreover, both teams have been inconsistent on the mound, giving up runs at crucial moments.
The weather conditions at Wrigley Field could also favor hitters, with clear skies and a mild breeze potentially aiding fly balls. With the Cubs looking to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs and the Cardinals integrating younger players, expect an aggressive approach from both lineups. This combination of factors makes the over 9.0 a compelling choice.
In projecting a final score, consider the Cubs’ stronger home record and recent offensive contributions from players like Seiya Suzuki. Look for the Cubs to take this one 7-5, pushing the total well over the 9-run mark.
- Cubs vs Cardinals Prediction: Over 9.0
- Cubs vs Cardinals Score: Cubs 7 – Cardinals 5
