Cubs and Cardinals Clash in High-Stakes NL Central Showdown

On September 26, 2025, the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, longtime rivals in the NL Central, will face off at Wrigley Field. The season series between the two teams is currently deadlocked at five wins apiece, making this opener a crucial matchup.

The Cubs are pushing to strengthen their postseason position, while the Cardinals are looking to finish the season strong and potentially spoil their rival's playoff push. Taking the mound for the Cubs will be the 35-year-old right-hander, Rea, who has been one of the more consistent starters in the Chicago rotation this year. With a 10-7 record, a 4.10 ERA, and a 1.28 WHIP in 153.2 innings, Rea has given the Cubs quality starts time and again.

For the Cardinals, the grizzled right-hander Mikolas will take the hill. Mikolas has been up and down this season, posting an 8-10 record with a 4.76 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP in 151.1 innings. However, he is still an innings-eating workhorse, and when his command is solid, he can frustrate opposing hitters by keeping the ball on the ground.

The Cubs will be looking to their power threats, led by Busch, to set the tone against Mikolas' contact-heavy approach. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will rely on their veteran run-producer, Arenado, to provide a game-changing presence in the middle of their lineup.