MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (46-31) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (42-36)

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St. Louis Cardinals logo

Game Details

  • Matchup: Chicago Cubs (46–31) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (42–36)
  • Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
  • First Pitch: 7:45 PM ET
  • Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
  • Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, MLB.TV

Game Context & Stakes

This is the first meeting of the 2025 season between the Cubs and Cardinals, and it kicks off a crucial four-game series at Busch Stadium. The Cubs lead the NL Central by 3.5 games over the Brewers, while the Cardinals sit 4.5 games back and just one game out of the final NL Wild Card spot.

  • Cubs: Coming off a series loss to the Mariners, outscored 30–20
  • Cardinals: Winners of 6 of their last 10, including back-to-back series wins

Probable Starting Pitchers

Chicago Cubs – Ben Brown (RHP)

  • Record: 4–5
  • ERA: 5.57
  • WHIP: 1.42
  • Last Start: 5 IP, 2 ER vs. Brewers
  • Scouting Report: High strikeout upside (10.7 K/9), but struggles with command and hard contact (.280 BAA)

St. Louis Cardinals – Matthew Liberatore (LHP)

  • Record: 4–6
  • ERA: 4.08
  • WHIP: 1.31
  • Last Start: 6 IP, 2 ER vs. White Sox
  • Scouting Report: Eight quality starts in 14 outings; relies on a mix of curveballs and sliders to induce weak contact

Players to Watch

Chicago Cubs

  • Pete Crow-Armstrong: 21 HR, .559 SLG – ranks 6th in MLB in home runs
  • Kyle Tucker: .285 AVG, 4 HR in last 10 games – heating up at the plate
  • Nico Hoerner: .284 AVG, 17 doubles – consistent contact hitter

St. Louis Cardinals

  • Alec Burleson: .308 AVG, 3 HR in last 7 games – one of MLB’s hottest hitters
  • Willson Contreras: 10 HR, 50 RBI – team leader in both categories
  • Brendan Donovan: .308 AVG – Cardinals’ most consistent bat

Trends

  • Cubs are 25–7 when hitting 2+ home runs in a game
  • Cardinals are 24–15 at home this season
  • Cubs are 21–16 on the road
  • OVER has hit in 4 of the last 10 games for both teams

How to Watch Cubs vs Cardinals – June 23, 2025

  • TV Channels: Marquee Sports Network (CHC), FanDuel Sports Network Midwest (STL)
  • Streaming: MLB.TV, FuboTV (regional restrictions may apply)
  • Radio: 670 The Score (CHC), KMOX 1120 AM (STL)

Game Odds

Chicago Cubs                     – 114

St. Louis Cardinals           9

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, June 22, 2025

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MLB Editor
MLB Editor
https://sportsgamingjournal.com/category/mlb/
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.