The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are set to face off in the second game of their three-game series on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Petco Park in San Diego, California. The Padres dominated the series opener with a 10-4 victory, powered by Fernando Tatis Jr.’s home run and a late offensive surge in the eighth inning. The Cubs will look to bounce back and even the series.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Time: 9:40 PM ET
- Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Available on Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
Team Overview & Recent Form
Chicago Cubs (11-8)
The Cubs have been competitive early in the season, sitting third in the NL Central. They struggled in the series opener, but their offense has been solid, ranking fourth in MLB with 26 home runs. Chicago will send Shota Imanaga to the mound, looking to improve his 2-1 record.
- Key Players:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – Hit an RBI double in Monday’s loss.
- Miguel Amaya – Drove in a run with a double in the eighth inning.
- Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.70 ERA) – Expected to start, boasting a strong start to the season.
- Strengths:
- Power Hitting: The Cubs rank fourth in MLB with 26 home runs.
- Disciplined Batting: Chicago ranks top 10 in on-base percentage.
- Weaknesses:
- Pitching Consistency: The Cubs rank middle of the pack in team ERA.
- Road Performance: Chicago is 5-5 away from home.
San Diego Padres (14-3)
The Padres have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, sitting first in the NL West. They dominated the series opener, with Fernando Tatis Jr. homering and Manny Machado driving in a key run. San Diego will send Randy Vásquez to the mound, looking to build on his 1-1 record.
- Key Players:
- Fernando Tatis Jr. – Hit a home run in Monday’s win.
- Manny Machado – Drove in a run with a force-out in the eighth inning.
- Randy Vásquez (1-1, 1.72 ERA) – Expected to start, looking to continue his strong form.
- Strengths:
- Elite Pitching: The Padres rank second in MLB with a 2.70 team ERA.
- Home Field Advantage: San Diego is 10-0 at Petco Park.
- Weaknesses:
- Strikeout Concerns: The Padres average 8.1 strikeouts per game.
- Offensive Consistency: San Diego ranks middle of the pack in slugging percentage.
Matchup Analysis & Prediction
- Cubs’ Power vs. Padres’ Pitching: Chicago’s slugging ability will be tested against San Diego’s dominant rotation.
- Key Battle: Shota Imanaga vs. Fernando Tatis Jr.—Imanaga has been solid, while Tatis Jr. is coming off a strong performance.
- X-Factor: Manny Machado—If Machado continues his clutch hitting, the Padres could have the edge.
Chicago Cubs – 162
San Diego Padres 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 14, 2025
