April 1, 2026 | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | 1:20 PM CDT | Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs (hopefully 4-1 to start the season) host the Los Angeles Angels (82–80 last year) at Wrigley Field for the series finale tonight, and we’re looking to finish strong before heading on the road. They went 82–80 last year and just missed the playoffs. We went 78–84 and missed. Both teams are trying to start 2026 strong.
The Angels have Mike Trout—one of the greatest players ever, still trying to get his team over the hump. Logan O’Hoppe is developing behind the plate. Reid Detmers is a quality lefty starter looking to bounce back in the series finale.
We have Cade Horton making another early-season start at Wrigley. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. If we’ve won the first two games of this series, we’re looking to complete the sweep at home.
For Cubs fans, this is the series finale—a chance to sweep a competitive team at Wrigley and head into the road trip with serious momentum.
Where the Cubs Stand After Five Games
2025 Record: 78–84
We missed the playoffs last year, but the early season (hopefully 4-1) is showing our offseason moves are paying off. Tyler Glasnow has been excellent. Jackson Merrill is settling in nicely. Pete Crow-Armstrong is showing real offensive growth alongside his elite defense.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Has been dominant early in the season
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Looking solid through five games, our franchise shortstop
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense with the bat catching up
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Gets another start at Wrigley in the series finale
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat providing solid contributions
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
We’re (hopefully) 4-1 after five games—our best start in years. Complete the sweep tonight and we’re 5-1 heading into the road trip.
The Los Angeles Angels: Trying to Salvage the Series
2025 Record: 82–80
The Angels went 82–80 and just missed the playoffs again. Another year of Mike Trout’s prime potentially wasted. Logan O’Hoppe is solid behind the plate. Reid Detmers needs to bounce back in the series finale after we’ve (hopefully) beaten them twice.
Key Players:
- Mike Trout (OF): Future Hall of Famer, still one of the best alive
- Logan O’Hoppe (C): Young catcher who’s become a cornerstone
- Reid Detmers (LHP): Quality lefty trying to salvage the series finale
Top Prospects:
- Nolan Schanuel (1B): First baseman with offensive upside
- Kyren Paris (INF): Versatile infielder developing
- Caden Dana (RHP): Pitching prospect in the system
The Angels are (hopefully) 0-2 in this series and trying to avoid the sweep at Wrigley.
The Matchups That Matter in the Finale
| Position | Cubs | Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Kyren Paris |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Mike Trout |
| Starting Pitcher | Cade Horton | Reid Detmers |
Jackson Merrill vs Kyren Paris at Shortstop
Merrill has looked really solid through five games. Paris is still developing. Merrill should continue his strong start at home.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Mike Trout
Trout is one of the greatest ever. PCA is showing he belongs. The gap is still enormous, but PCA can showcase his elite defense and growing bat at Wrigley.
Cade Horton vs Reid Detmers
Both young starters. Horton gets another chance to shine at Wrigley. Detmers is trying to salvage something for the Angels. Horton should have the home crowd advantage.
What the Cubs Need to Complete the Sweep
Cade Horton Shines at Wrigley Again
Another start at home early in the season. Against an Angels team that’s (hopefully) frustrated after two losses, Horton can dominate. Six innings of quality work completes a strong homestand.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Rolling
If he’s 4-1 through five games with solid performances, keep it going. Finish the homestand strong and carry momentum into the road trip.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Continues Impressing
Has shown real offensive growth alongside elite defense. Complete the sweep with another quality performance at Wrigley.
Complete the Sweep
The Angels went 82–80 and are trying to avoid getting swept. We’re at home. Complete the sweep and go 5-1 to start the season.
What Los Angeles Will Bring
Mike Trout will try to do something spectacular to salvage the series. Logan O’Hoppe will battle behind the plate. Reid Detmers will give everything he has to avoid the sweep.
But if we’ve beaten them twice already, finish the job at Wrigley.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Complete the Sweep
Final Score: Cubs 5, Angels 3
Cade Horton is excellent at Wrigley—six innings, two runs, eight strikeouts. The crowd goes wild. Reid Detmers battles but gives up four runs trying to avoid the sweep.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-4 and finishes the homestand hot. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes another highlight catch and drives in two. Matt Shaw adds a clutch hit.
Mike Trout crushes a solo homer because he’s Mike Trout, but it’s not enough. We complete the sweep at Wrigley.
We’re 5-1 to start the season. Best start in years. Heading into the road trip with serious momentum.
Why This Series Finale Matters
We’re (hopefully) 4-1 through five games. The Angels went 82–80. Complete the sweep at Wrigley and we’re 5-1—our best start in years.
Can Cade Horton keep shining? Will Jackson Merrill stay hot? Can we sweep a competitive team at home?
We went 78–84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. Starting 5-1 with a sweep would show we’re serious about competing in 2026.
Go Cubs Go!!!