The Chicago Cubs (11-7) and the San Diego Padres (13-3) are set to face off in the first game of a three-game series on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Petco Park in San Diego, California. This matchup features two teams with strong starts to the season, promising an exciting contest between the Cubs’ high-scoring offense and the Padres’ dominant pitching.
Team Overview
San Diego Padres
The Padres have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, boasting a 13-3 record and sitting atop the NL West. They are undefeated at home, with a perfect 10-0 record at Petco Park. San Diego enters this game on a four-game winning streak, including a sweep of the Colorado Rockies, where they did not allow a single run across three games.
Key players for the Padres include:
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: Leading the team with a .351 batting average, four home runs, and 10 RBIs. Tatis has been on fire, carrying a three-game hitting streak into this matchup.
- Manny Machado: Batting .317 with seven doubles and six RBIs, Machado provides consistent production in the middle of the lineup.
- Luis Arraez: Contributing with a .258 batting average, two doubles, and a home run over the last 10 games.
San Diego’s pitching staff has been dominant, ranking second in MLB with a 2.68 team ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease (1-1, 7.98 ERA) will take the mound for the Padres. Cease has struggled in his first three starts, allowing nine earned runs in his last outing against the Oakland Athletics. However, he has the ability to bounce back and deliver a strong performance.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have had a solid start to the season, sitting second in the NL Central with an 11-7 record. They are coming off a series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they won two of three games, including a dominant 16-0 victory in Game 2. Chicago has been impressive on the road, with a 7-3 record away from Wrigley Field.
Key players for the Cubs include:
- Kyle Tucker: Leading the team with a .324 batting average, five home runs, and 15 RBIs. Tucker has been a consistent force in the lineup.
- Carson Kelly: Batting .429 over the last 10 games, with four home runs and nine RBIs, Kelly has been red-hot at the plate.
- Dansby Swanson: Providing veteran leadership and solid defense, Swanson remains a key contributor.
Chicago’s pitching staff has been solid, with a 4.02 team ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (1-1, 6.06 ERA) will get the nod for the Cubs. Taillon has struggled with consistency but holds a strong record against the Padres, with a 2-0 career record and a 2.19 ERA in previous matchups.
Key Matchup Factors
- Padres’ Home Dominance: San Diego’s perfect home record will be a significant advantage in this series opener.
- Cubs’ Offensive Firepower: Chicago leads MLB in runs scored per game, averaging 6.44 runs, and will test the Padres’ pitching staff.
- Pitching Duel: Both Cease and Taillon have had inconsistent starts to the season, making their performances critical to the outcome of this game.
Recent Form
- San Diego Padres: 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.2 runs per game while allowing just 3.41 runs per game.
- Chicago Cubs: 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 6.44 runs per game while allowing 2.83 runs per game.
Chicago Cubs 7.5
San Diego Padres – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, April 13, 2025
