April 4, 2026 | Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH | 3:10 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs (hopefully 6-1 after winning yesterday) face the Cleveland Guardians (85–77, AL Central champions last year) in Game 2 of the series at Progressive Field this afternoon. They won their division last year. We went 78–84 and missed the playoffs. But if we’ve started 6-1, we’re showing we can compete with anybody.
The Guardians have José Ramírez—one of the best players in baseball. Andrés Giménez is a Gold Glove defender at short. Triston McKenzie is a quality starter. They’re always well-coached and fundamentally sound.
We have Tyler Glasnow on the mound again. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. If we won yesterday (hopefully), we’re looking to keep building momentum this afternoon.
For Cubs fans, this is Game 2 in Cleveland—another chance to beat the AL Central champions on the road.
Where the Cubs Stand After Seven Games
2025 Record: 78–84
We missed the playoffs last year, but if we’re 6-1 through seven games, that’s an incredible start. Tyler Glasnow has been dominant. Jackson Merrill is exceeding expectations. Pete Crow-Armstrong is showing he’s ready.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Has been excellent, gets another start
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Has looked great through seven games
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense with real offensive growth
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Made his debut, showed promise
- Matt Shaw (INF): Contributing with versatile play
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
We’re (hopefully) 6-1 after seven games. Win today and we’re 7-1—our best start in years.
The Cleveland Guardians: Defending AL Central Champs
2025 Record: 85–77 (AL Central Champions)
Cleveland won the AL Central last year and they’re always competitive. José Ramírez is a perennial MVP candidate. Andrés Giménez is a Gold Glove defender. Triston McKenzie is a quality starter.
Key Players:
- José Ramírez (3B): Perennial MVP candidate, one of the best in baseball
- Andrés Giménez (SS): Gold Glove defender with developing offense
- Triston McKenzie (RHP): Quality starter, gets the start today
Top Prospects:
- Chase DeLauter (OF): Athletic outfielder with upside
- Kyle Manzardo (1B): Power bat trying to establish himself
- Gavin Williams (RHP): Young pitcher with potential
The Guardians are (hopefully) down 0-1 in the series and looking to bounce back.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Guardians |
|---|---|---|
| Third Base | Matt Shaw | José Ramírez |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Chase DeLauter |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Triston McKenzie |
Matt Shaw vs José Ramírez at Third
Shaw is contributing as a versatile prospect. Ramírez is one of the best players alive. Shaw has shown he belongs early in the season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Chase DeLauter in Center
PCA has elite defense and is showing offensive growth. DeLauter is still developing. PCA should have the advantage.
Tyler Glasnow vs Triston McKenzie
Both are quality starters. Glasnow has been dominant early in the season. McKenzie is solid for a division winner. Glasnow should keep rolling.
What the Cubs Need in Game 2
Tyler Glasnow Stays Dominant
Has been excellent through the first week. Against the AL Central champs, keep it going. Six or seven quality innings keeps us rolling.
Jackson Merrill Keeps His Hot Start Going
If he’s been great through seven games, keep building on the road.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Continues Impressing
Has shown real growth. Another quality performance on the road.
Keep Winning
The Guardians won the AL Central. We (hopefully) beat them yesterday. Keep building on our incredible start.
What Cleveland Will Bring
José Ramírez will try to bounce back. Andrés Giménez will make smooth defensive plays. Triston McKenzie will try to even the series.
The Guardians will compete at home, but if we’re 6-1, we’re rolling.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Keep Rolling
Final Score: Cubs 5, Guardians 3
Tyler Glasnow is excellent again—seven innings, two runs, eight strikeouts. Continues his dominant start. Triston McKenzie battles but gives up four runs.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-4 and stays hot. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes another highlight catch and drives in two.
José Ramírez goes 2-for-4 with a homer. But we keep our incredible start going.
We’re 7-1. Best start in years. Keep building momentum.
Why This Game Matters
We’re (hopefully) 6-1 through seven games. The Guardians won the AL Central last year. Win today and we’re 7-1—our best start in years.
Can Tyler Glasnow keep dominating? Will Jackson Merrill stay hot? Can we keep beating quality teams on the road?
We went 78–84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. Starting 7-1 would prove we’re legitimate contenders in 2026.
Go Cubs Go!!!