Game Details:
Matchup: Cubs vs Cardinals
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 7:15 PM CT
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Betting Line: Cardinals -1.5 | Over/Under: 8.0
Key Storylines
NL Central Battle Intensifies
The Cubs and Cardinals meet again in the midst of a tightly contested NL Central race. With both teams hovering within a few games of first place, each game carries added playoff implications. This is the third game in a four-game series, with the first two being split — the Cubs taking Monday’s opener 5-3 before the Cardinals bounced back on Tuesday with a 6-2 win.
Pitching Duel Looms
Expected starters for tonight are right-hander Jameson Taillon for the Cubs and lefty Steven Matz for the Cardinals. Taillon has posted a strong June, carrying a 2.70 ERA over his last three outings. Matz has been shaky at times, giving up 4 or more runs in three of his last five starts, though he tends to perform well at home.
Inconsistent Offense
The Cubs have struggled offensively over the past week, averaging just 3.1 runs per game, with star outfielder Seiya Suzuki in the midst of a 2-for-21 slump. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are clicking offensively, led by Nolan Arenado and Masyn Winn, who have combined for 9 RBIs over their last four games. Paul Goldschmidt remains quiet at the plate but is always a threat to break out.
Injury Report
Cubs:
Out: Cody Bellinger (rib fracture), Justin Steele (elbow)
Day-to-Day: Nico Hoerner (hamstring)
Cardinals:
Out: Willson Contreras (forearm), Lars Nootbaar (low back strain)
Betting Trends
- Cubs: 4-10 in their last 14 road games
- Cardinals: 6-2 in their last 8 home games
- Total has gone under in 6 of the last 7 meetings at Busch Stadium
- Cardinals are 5-1 in Matz’s last six home starts
Player Prop to Watch
Nolan Arenado (Cardinals) – Hits + RBIs Total: 1.5
Arenado has been on fire against right-handed pitching lately, and with Taillon’s struggles against lefty bats in past seasons, Arenado should get RBI opportunities, particularly with Winn and Edman setting the table.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Cardinals -1.5 → The Cards’ stronger bullpen and clutch hitting advantage them at home.
Total: Under 8.0 → With both lineups inconsistent and Taillon pitching well, expect a low-scoring affair.
Player Prop: Nolan Arenado Over 1.5 Hits + RBIs → Riding a hot streak, especially at Busch Stadium.
Expect a gritty, divisional matchup with limited scoring and timely hitting making the difference. The Cardinals should edge out the Cubs late thanks to better pitching depth and recent offensive momentum.
Final Score Prediction: Cardinals 4, Cubs 2