The Chicago Cubs (89-70) host the St. Louis Cardinals (78-81) Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field in what should be another compelling chapter of this historic rivalry. With Seiya Suzuki riding momentum from a two-homer performance in his last game, the Cubs enter as solid -175 favorites for this 2:20 p.m. ET contest.
Game Details
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 2:20 p.m. ET / 1:20 p.m. CT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
TV Coverage: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, Fox Sports Midwest
Betting Lines: Cubs -175, Cardinals +146
Run Total: 9 runs
Spread: Cubs -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Rea vs Mikolas
Colin Rea Brings Consistency
Colin Rea takes the mound for his 27th start with a 10-7 record and 4.10 ERA across 153⅔ innings. His 120 strikeouts show he can miss bats when needed, and pitching at Wrigley should give him the familiarity advantage in this division rivalry matchup.
Rea has been a steady presence in Chicago’s rotation throughout the season, making him a reliable choice for this important late-season game.
Miles Mikolas Counters for St. Louis
The Cardinals send Miles Mikolas to the hill for his 31st start, carrying an 8-10 record. The veteran right-hander brings experience in Cubs-Cardinals games and the kind of innings-eating ability that keeps his team competitive.
Mikolas will need to navigate a Cubs lineup that’s been clicking offensively, particularly with Suzuki’s recent power surge.
Cubs Offense: Building Momentum
Seiya Suzuki’s Hot Streak
Suzuki enters Friday riding high after his two-homer performance last time out. With 29 home runs and 97 RBIs while batting .244, he’s been one of Chicago’s most consistent run producers. His recent power display suggests he could be the difference-maker in this rivalry matchup.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Nico Hoerner continues to lead the team with a .299 batting average, providing the kind of consistent contact that sets up scoring opportunities. Pete Crow-Armstrong contributes 142 hits with a .472 slugging percentage, while Ian Happ adds veteran leadership with a .343 on-base percentage.
The Cubs rank 8th in baseball with 772 runs scored while maintaining excellent plate discipline, striking out just 7.9 times per game (6th in MLB).
Cardinals Looking to Play Spoiler
Balanced Offensive Attack
Alec Burleson leads St. Louis with a .293 batting average, while Brendan Donovan contributes solid production at .287 with 32 doubles. Ivan Herrera provides power with 19 home runs, and Lars Nootbaar adds patience with 62 walks despite a .237 average.
The Cardinals’ 4.3 runs per game (18th in MLB) shows they can compete offensively, though they lack the consistent power of Chicago’s lineup.
Statistical Comparison
The Cubs hold clear advantages in several key areas:
- Runs per game: Cubs 4.9 vs Cardinals 4.3
- Home runs: Cubs 214 vs Cardinals 146
- Team ERA: Cubs 3.84 (9th) vs Cardinals 4.23 (19th)
- Batting average: Cubs .249 vs Cardinals .246
Chicago’s superior offensive production and pitching staff ERA give them meaningful edges.
Betting Analysis
The Cubs have been excellent as favorites this season, going 71-42 (62.8%) when favored. When favored by odds similar to Friday’s -175, they improve to 23-9 (71.9%).
The Cardinals have struggled as heavy underdogs, going just 5-15 when facing odds of +146 or worse. This trend doesn’t favor St. Louis in Friday’s matchup.
The 9-run total reflects both teams’ offensive capabilities, with both clubs going over roughly 46-50% of the time this season.
Key Injuries
Cubs: Kyle Tucker and Miguel Amaya remain on shorter-term IL, while Cade Horton is day-to-day with back issues.
Cardinals: Masyn Winn (meniscus) and Willson Contreras (shoulder) are both on the 10-day IL, impacting St. Louis’s lineup depth.
Rivalry Factor
Cubs-Cardinals games always carry extra intensity, regardless of standings. Playing at Wrigley Field should give Chicago additional motivation, especially with their strong home record this season.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Cubs 6, Cardinals 4
Total: Over 9 runs
Suzuki’s recent power surge, combined with Chicago’s home field advantage and superior offensive depth, should prove decisive. The Cubs’ excellent record as favorites suggests they handle expectations well in these situations.
Both offenses have enough firepower to push this total over 9 runs, especially if either starter struggles early. Wrigley Field’s afternoon conditions could favor hitters, creating opportunities for both teams to put up crooked numbers.
Chicago should take advantage of this opportunity to continue their strong September play while adding another chapter to this storied rivalry.
Go Cubs gooo!!!