The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs are set to face off in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on regional sports networks and MLB.tv. The Cubs took the series opener with a commanding 4-0 victory, and the Phillies will look to bounce back and even the series.
Team Overview:
Philadelphia Phillies (13-13, 4th in NL East):
The Phillies have had an up-and-down start to the season, sitting at .500 after 26 games. They are currently on a six-game road losing streak, including their shutout loss in Game 1. Philadelphia’s offense has been inconsistent, ranking 22nd in MLB with 21 home runs this season. Kyle Schwarber leads the team with seven home runs and 16 RBIs, while Bryson Stott has been a bright spot with a .284 batting average. The Phillies’ pitching staff has been solid overall, with a team ERA of 4.33, but they’ll need a stronger offensive showing to support their arms.
Chicago Cubs (17-10, 1st in NL Central):
The Cubs have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, winning seven of their last 10 games and leading the NL Central. Their offense has been explosive, ranking first in MLB in total hits (243) and runs scored (163). Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on fire, hitting .462 over his last 10 games with five home runs and 10 RBIs. The Cubs’ pitching staff has also been effective, with a team ERA of 3.82. Chicago will look to continue their strong play at home, where they boast a 9-5 record this season.
Probable Pitchers:
Philadelphia Phillies:
- Jesús Luzardo (2-0, 2.08 ERA): Luzardo has been excellent this season, with 36 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings pitched. The left-hander has allowed fewer than three earned runs in all five of his starts and is coming off a strong outing against the Miami Marlins, where he allowed just one earned run over seven innings. Luzardo will face a tough challenge against a Cubs lineup that has excelled against left-handed pitching.
Chicago Cubs:
- Ben Brown (2-1, 3.18 ERA): Brown has been a reliable arm for the Cubs, with 25 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings pitched. The right-hander has shown good command and the ability to limit damage, allowing just three home runs this season. Brown will look to build on his recent success and keep the Phillies’ bats quiet.
Key Players to Watch:
Philadelphia Phillies:
- Kyle Schwarber: The slugger leads the team in home runs and RBIs and will look to make an impact against his former team.
- Bryson Stott: Stott has been a consistent presence at the plate, hitting .284 with a .333 on-base percentage.
- Alec Bohm: Bohm’s ability to drive in runs will be crucial for the Phillies’ offense.
Chicago Cubs:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: The young outfielder has been red-hot, with five home runs and 10 RBIs over his last 10 games.
- Dansby Swanson: Swanson has been a steady contributor, providing both offensive production and stellar defense at shortstop.
- Ian Happ: Happ’s ability to get on base and drive in runs adds depth to the Cubs’ lineup.
Matchup Analysis:
Offense vs. Pitching:
The Cubs’ high-powered offense will test Luzardo, who has been one of the Phillies’ most reliable starters. Conversely, the Phillies’ lineup will need to find ways to generate offense against Brown, who has been effective at limiting damage.
Momentum:
The Cubs enter this game with confidence after their Game 1 victory and their strong recent form. The Phillies, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find consistency to avoid falling further behind in the series.
Home Advantage:
Wrigley Field has been a fortress for the Cubs this season, and the energy of the home crowd could play a role in this matchup.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Phillies – 112
Chicago Cubs – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 25, 2025
