As the Chicago Cubs gear up to face their long-time rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, on Friday, September 26, at 1:20 PM CT, the buzz surrounding the matchup is palpable. This series not only holds significance in the standings but also carries a rich history that adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans on both sides.
Recent Performance
Scoring Surge: The Cubs have shown signs of offensive resurgence, scoring at least five runs in their last three games. This level of run support has been a rare treat for the Cubs this season, with the last similar stretch occurring back in July. Historically, when hitting three or more home runs, the Cubs have had great success, boasting a record of 22-4 in such games this season, although they faced a setback in their last game despite hitting three home runs.
Magic Number: As the playoffs approach, the Cubs’ magic number to secure home-field advantage in the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres remains at two. What this means is simple: by winning two of their three remaining regular season games, the Cubs can ensure they play in front of their home crowd at Wrigley Field.
Attendance Milestone: This weekend series against the Cardinals also gives the Cubs a chance to cross the three million tickets sold mark for the first time since 2019. To achieve this, they need to average 31,053 in attendance over the weekend—a testament to the loyal fan base in Chicago.
Pitching Matchup
Colin Rea vs. Miles Mikolas: Today’s contest features an interesting pitching duel. Colin Rea, who will take the mound for the Cubs, has demonstrated reliable performance in his recent outing against the Reds, where he pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run while racking up eleven strikeouts. His previous two starts against the Cardinals have been stellar, yielding a mere two runs over 12.2 innings.
In contrast, Miles Mikolas takes his turn for the Cardinals. While he has not had a good season overall, he has displayed improved form in recent outings, posting a 2.77 ERA over his last five starts. This game may serve as Mikolas’ final start in a Cardinals uniform, considering he is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season.
History Against Each Other: Fans remember Mikolas well, especially for his role in the Cubs’ recent franchise-record eight home runs in a single game at Wrigley. Securing another high-scoring performance against him would indeed send him off in style.
Broadcast Information
For fans eager to catch the action, today’s game will be streamed on the Marquee Sports Network, with availability varying by provider. The game will also be shown on MLB Network for those outside the Cubs’ and Mets’ market territories.
Community Engagement
As the game approaches, members of the Cubs community are encouraged to engage respectfully with fans from the Cardinals side. A dedicated space for fan interaction will be opened prior to the game, allowing Cubs fans a platform to express their support and discuss the matchup.
The Road Ahead
With only a few games left in the regular season, the stakes are high. A series against a rival like the Cardinals not only impacts playoff seeding but also lifts community spirits as fans rally behind their team. Every game counts as the Cubs aim for a postseason spot, and how they perform in this series could set the tone for their playoffs.
Conclusion
As Friday’s first pitch approaches, anticipation continues to build. The combination of a fierce rivalry, playoff stakes, and the potential for exciting performances sets the stage for an exhilarating game. The Cubs will look to harness their recent offensive prowess and clinch the wins needed to secure their place in October baseball. Whether you’re at Wrigley Field or watching from home, this game is sure to deliver the excitement, passion, and unforgettable moments that make baseball so special.
As fans gear up for Friday’s showdown, one thing is clear: the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals rivalry will continue to thrive, creating a narrative that keeps the fans engaged and hopeful for a victorious end to the regular season.
