The Los Angeles Dodgers (16-7) and Chicago Cubs (14-10) are set to face off in the first game of a two-game series on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Cubs enter the matchup riding momentum after a strong offensive showing in their last series, while the Dodgers look to continue their dominance as one of the top teams in the National League.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
- Time: 7:40 PM ET
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- TV Broadcast: MARQ, SportsNet LA
- Series Status: First meeting of the series
Team Overview & Key Players
Chicago Cubs (14-10, 3rd in NL Central)
The Cubs have been one of the best offensive teams in MLB, ranking first in total hits (218) and third in home runs (34). Their lineup has been consistent, with multiple players contributing to their success.
Key Players
- Kyle Tucker (OF) – Leads the Cubs with six home runs and 23 RBIs, ranking 14th in MLB in home runs.
- Michael Busch (INF) – Batting .316, providing a steady presence in the lineup.
- Shota Imanaga (SP) – Set to start; holds a 2-1 record with a 2.22 ERA, looking to build on his strong season.
Los Angeles Dodgers (16-7, 1st in NL West)
The Dodgers have been dominant, winning 71.4% of their games as favorites. Their pitching staff has been one of the best in baseball, ranking third in strikeouts per nine innings (9.7 K/9).
Key Players
- Shohei Ohtani (DH) – Batting .277, providing power and consistency.
- Freddie Freeman (1B) – Hitting .334, leading the team in RBIs.
- Dustin May (SP) – Set to start; holds a 1-1 record with a 1.06 ERA, aiming for his third straight quality start.
Game 1 Pitching Matchup
| Pitcher | Team | Record | ERA | Last Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shota Imanaga | Cubs | 2-1 | 2.22 | 5.0 IP, 0 ER vs. Padres |
| Dustin May | Dodgers | 1-1 | 1.06 | 6.0 IP, 1 ER vs. Rockies |
Imanaga has been consistent, while May is looking to continue his dominance, allowing just one earned run in his last start.
Game Outlook & Predictions
- Cubs’ Strategy: Expect Chicago to rely on power hitting, with Tucker and Busch leading the charge.
- Dodgers’ Adjustments: Los Angeles must capitalize on scoring opportunities and limit strikeouts against Imanaga.
- X-Factor: Shohei Ohtani’s ability to drive in runs could be the difference-maker.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers – 122
Chicago Cubs 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 21, 2025
