MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (47-33) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (44-37)

With the Cardinals holding a 2–1 series lead, the Cubs aim to even the set and maintain their slim division lead.

Game Details

• Matchup: Chicago Cubs (47–33) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (44–37)
• Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
• Time: 2:15 PM ET
• Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network, Bally Sports Midwest

Starting Pitchers

Cubs: Shota Imanaga (3–2, 2.82 ERA)

Returning from a hamstring injury, Imanaga makes his first start since early May. The Japanese lefty was dominant before the setback, posting a 2.82 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. His deceptive fastball and pinpoint control will be tested against a red-hot Cardinals lineup.

Cardinals: Andre Pallante (5–3, 4.48 ERA)

Pallante has been steady in the rotation, though he’s allowed 3+ earned runs in three of his last four starts. He’ll need to keep the ball down against a Cubs team that ranks top-5 in slugging vs. right-handed pitching.

Players to Watch

Chicago Cubs

• Pete Crow-Armstrong: Batting .272 with 21 HRs, 61 RBIs, and 20 doubles. He’s the Cubs’ most dynamic offensive weapon.
• Kyle Tucker: 15-for-36 over his last 10 games with 3 HRs and 3 doubles.
• Seiya Suzuki: Launched a 3-run homer earlier in the series and is heating up at the plate.

St. Louis Cardinals

• Nolan Arenado: 10 HRs, 11 doubles, and a .255 average. A proven clutch performer in rivalry games.
• Alec Burleson: 12-for-41 with 4 HRs in his last 10 games.
• Masyn Winn: Hit a 2-run homer in Game 2 and continues to impress with his glove and bat.

Key Stats & Trends

• Cubs are 22–18 on the road, but have lost 5 of their last 6 games.
• Cardinals are 26–16 at home and have won 7 of their last 8 overall.
• Over has hit in 2 of the 3 games in this series so far.
• Cubs rank 3rd in MLB in team batting average (.256); Cardinals are 4th in the NL (.255).