First Pitch: 7:15 PM CT / 8:15 PM ET
Television: Bally Sports Midwest, Marquee Sports Network, MLB.TV
Series: Game 1 of 3 — Rivalry Series
The Cubs and Cardinals renew one of baseball’s most historic rivalries with both teams above .500 and fighting for early‑season NL Central positioning. Chicago sends Shota Imanaga, who has been one of the NL’s most efficient starters, while St. Louis counters with Leahy, a developing right‑hander who has shown flashes but remains inconsistent. This matchup features Chicago’s disciplined, contact‑heavy offense against St. Louis’ improving rotation and elite late‑inning bullpen.
WEATHER & BALLPARK CONDITIONS
Temperature: 78–82°F at first pitch
Sky: Clear
Humidity: 55–60%
Wind: 7–10 mph blowing out to left
Chance of Rain: <5%
Projected Park Factor: Slightly hitter‑friendly, especially for right‑handed pull hitters
Conditions favor line‑drive hitters and fly‑ball power.
INJURY REPORT
Chicago Cubs
Seiya Suzuki — ACTIVE
Cody Bellinger — PROBABLE (knee soreness)
Dansby Swanson — ACTIVE
Nico Hoerner — QUESTIONABLE (wrist inflammation)
Adbert Alzolay — OUT (shoulder)
St. Louis Cardinals
Paul Goldschmidt — ACTIVE
Nolan Arenado — PROBABLE (back tightness)
Lars Nootbaar — OUT (oblique strain)
Tommy Edman — ACTIVE
Ryan Helsley — ACTIVE
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Chicago Cubs (31–26)
Last 10: 5–5
Road Record: 14–13
Run Differential: +21
Trend: Pitching stabilizing; offense inconsistent but improving
Imanaga has been the Cubs’ most reliable starter, and the bullpen has improved after a rough April.
St. Louis Cardinals (29–25)
Last 10: 6–4
Home Record: 15–11
Run Differential: +9
Trend: Offense heating up; bullpen elite in late innings
St. Louis has been winning close games thanks to strong relief pitching and timely hitting.
SERIES HISTORY
2025 Season Series: Cubs won 8–5
Last 10 Meetings: Cubs lead 6–4
At Busch Stadium: Cubs have won 4 of last 6
Average Runs/Game (last 5 matchups): 8.6
This rivalry has leaned slightly toward Chicago recently.
STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP
CHC — SHOTA IMANAGA (LHP)
2026 Stats: 3.12 ERA | 1.09 WHIP | 9.3 K/9
Last 3 Starts: 2.41 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
Pitch Mix: Four‑seam, splitter, slider, cutter
Strengths: Elite command; misses barrels; excellent vs. right‑handed hitters
Weakness: Occasional HR issues in hitter‑friendly parks
Matchup Outlook: Imanaga’s splitter is a major weapon against St. Louis’ aggressive right‑handed bats.
STL — LEAHY (RHP)
2026 Stats: 4.44 ERA | 1.36 WHIP | 7.4 K/9
Last 3 Starts: 4.91 ERA, 1.42 WHIP
Pitch Mix: Sinker, slider, curveball, changeup
Strengths: Generates ground balls; strong vs. left‑handed hitters
Weakness: Struggles vs. patient lineups; vulnerable to hard contact early
Matchup Outlook: Chicago’s disciplined approach could force Leahy into deep counts and early bullpen exposure.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
Cody Bellinger (CHC) vs. Leahy
Bellinger crushes sinkers
Leahy struggles vs. left‑handed power
Edge: Bellinger
Paul Goldschmidt (STL) vs. Shota Imanaga
Goldschmidt hits lefties well
Imanaga’s splitter neutralizes right‑handed power
Edge: Imanaga
Nolan Arenado (STL) vs. CHC Bullpen
Arenado excels vs. late‑inning fastballs
Cubs’ bullpen has been inconsistent
Edge: Arenado
Seiya Suzuki (CHC) vs. STL Pitching
Suzuki is heating up
Cardinals’ middle relief vulnerable to right‑handed contact hitters
Edge: Suzuki
BETTING TRENDS
Chicago Cubs
4–2 in last 6
Under is 5–3 in last 8
6–3 in last 9 vs. NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
5–2 in last 7
Under is 4–1 in last 5
3–7 in last 10 vs. Cubs
Head‑to‑Head
Cubs 6–4 last 10
Unders hit in 3 of last 4 meetings
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs – 125
St. Louis Cardinals 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 28, 2026
