What Happened
On August 10, 2025, the Chicago Cubs faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals in the final game of a three-game series at Busch Stadium. This matchup was particularly significant as it featured two historic rivals in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Cubs entered the game with a record of 67-49, while the Cardinals were at 59-59. The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN, highlighting its importance in the MLB schedule.
The series had seen a split in the first two games, with the Cardinals winning the first game 5-0 and the Cubs responding with a decisive 9-1 victory in the second. The final game featured a pitching duel between Shota Imanaga for the Cubs and Sonny Gray for the Cardinals. Imanaga had been performing well since returning from injury, while Gray, despite a recent strong performance against the Dodgers, had struggled in prior outings.
Key Details
- Game Date: August 10, 2025
- Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
- Cubs Record: 67-49
- Cardinals Record: 59-59
- Pitching Matchup: Shota Imanaga (Cubs) vs. Sonny Gray (Cardinals)
- Cubs Odds: -129 favorite
- Cardinals Odds: +108 underdog
- Over/Under Total Runs: 7.5
- First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET
Imanaga had a season record of 8-4 with a 3.12 ERA, while Gray’s record stood at 10-5 with a 4.21 ERA. The Cubs were noted for their strong offensive performance, ranking among the top teams in runs scored per game and showing particular strength against right-handed pitching. Conversely, the Cardinals had struggled offensively against left-handed pitchers but had shown improvement in recent games.
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the matchup varied among analysts and betting experts. Some predicted a Cubs victory based on their offensive capabilities and Imanaga’s recent form. For instance, a model from SportsLine projected a 62% chance of a Cubs win, highlighting their strong performance in simulations. Analysts noted that the Cubs’ lineup had been particularly effective against right-handed pitchers, which could pose challenges for Gray.
On the other hand, some analysts pointed to Gray’s potential for a strong performance, especially given his previous success against the Cubs, where he held a lifetime ERA of 2.84 in 14 starts. Despite his recent struggles, there was optimism that he could deliver a solid outing, especially coming off a strong performance against the Dodgers.
Context & Background
The rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals is one of the most storied in MLB history, characterized by intense competition and passionate fan bases. This particular matchup was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the National League Central. The Cubs were in pursuit of the Milwaukee Brewers, who were leading the division, while the Cardinals aimed to stay relevant in the playoff race.
The significance of this game extended beyond just the standings; it was also a test of team resilience and strategy as both teams navigated the challenges of the season. The outcome of this game could influence the teams’ trajectories as they approached the final stretch of the regular season.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of the time of reporting, several uncertainties remained regarding player performances and potential injuries. For instance, the status of Cardinals player Brendan Donovan was unclear due to a recent scratch from the lineup, and the return of star player Nolan Arenado was still pending. Additionally, while projections and simulations provided insights into likely outcomes, the unpredictable nature of sports meant that unexpected performances could alter the anticipated results.
Furthermore, the long-term implications of this game on the playoff picture were yet to be fully understood, as both teams continued to compete for postseason positioning. The evolving dynamics of the season, including trades, injuries, and player performances, would play a critical role in shaping the final outcomes for both the Cubs and the Cardinals as they moved forward in the 2025 MLB season.
