Philadelphia Phillies vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Phillies and Cubs Set for High-Stakes Rubber Match on Sunday Night Baseball

The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs are set to face off in the rubber match of their series on Sunday Night Baseball. Both teams are evenly matched with the Phillies sitting at 14-13 and the Cubs at 17-11. Aaron Nola will be on the mound for the Phillies with a 6.43 ERA, while Jameson Taillon will be starting for the Cubs with a 4.73 ERA. The Phillies are the slight betting favorites at -112, with the current line favoring Chicago at -109. Stay tuned to see which team will come out on top in this highly anticipated matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Phillies -105 | Cubs -109
• Spread: Phillies -1.5 (+154) | Cubs +1.5 (-180)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Philadelphia will win straight-up is 51%.

Philadelphia vs Chicago Stats

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into Sunday's game with confidence after a strong offensive performance in Game 2, providing a much-needed boost for a team that has faced inconsistency early in the season. The top of their lineup, led by Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, played a key role in overwhelming Chicago's pitching staff with hits and aggressive baserunning. The bullpen, which had struggled in previous games, showed improvement in protecting leads. Sunday's game against the Cubs is crucial for the Phillies to maintain positive momentum, with Aaron Nola set to start and looking to turn his season around. Manager Rob Thomson is hopeful that Nola's track record against the Cubs will help him find his rhythm. The Phillies will need contributions from their big bats like Harper, Turner, Schwarber, and Bohm to support their pitching staff. Replicating their offensive explosion from Game 2 and getting to Jameson Taillon early could be key to securing a series win on the road. Philly currently holds a 14-13 record this season and is ranked 20th in power rankings, with a strong offense ranked 15th but a defense ranked 21st.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs have pleasantly surprised fans with their strong start to the 2025 season, boasting a 17-11 record and playing confident, well-rounded baseball under manager Craig Counsell. The team has excelled at Wrigley Field, winning six of their last seven home games thanks to timely hitting, strong defense, and effective pitching. Key veterans and young players have contributed to the team's success. Right-hander Jameson Taillon will take the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies, aiming to bounce back from a tough start and stabilize Chicago's rotation. The Cubs will look to apply early pressure against Phillies ace Aaron Nola, utilizing patience and situational hitting to generate offense. With a strong performance, the Cubs can secure another series win and solidify their position as contenders in the National League.

Phillies Look to Ride Momentum and Aaron Nola's Dominance to Victory Against Cubs

With the series tied and momentum shifting in favor of the Phillies after their convincing Game 2 victory, Philadelphia seems well-positioned to clinch the rubber match at Wrigley Field. Despite a slow start to the season, Aaron Nola boasts an impressive 7-2 lifetime record against the Cubs, indicating a potential breakout performance on the horizon. The Cubs have struggled against elite pitching, making Nola's matchup even more favorable. The Phillies' offense, led by standout performances from Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, has shown signs of resurgence, providing Nola with ample run support. The team's increasing confidence and Sunday's matchup present an ideal opportunity for the Phillies to secure a statement win and propel themselves forward in the season. Conversely, Jameson Taillon's history against Philadelphia raises concerns for the Cubs, as the Phillies' lineup appears to be in sync and poised for success. A strong outing from Nola could not only secure a victory for the Phillies but also spark a turning point in his own performance moving forward.

Sources: [ 2 ] [ 3 ]