Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals Match Series Analysis: 2025 MLB Season

The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, iconic rivals in the National League Central, faced off five times during the 2025 MLB regular season, delivering a mix of high-scoring thrillers and pitching-dominated shutouts. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of their matchups on June 24, June 25, August 8, August 9, and August 10, 2025, focusing on player performances, game summaries, and head-to-head trends, sourced from verified outlets. Below, we break down each game, including detailed player stats, critical moments, and team context, ensuring all information is accurate and original based from verified sources.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Baseball
• League: MLB (Major League Baseball)
• Matchup: Chicago Cubs vs St Louis Cardinals Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: June 24, 2025
  • Game 2: June 25, 2025
  • Game 3: August 8, 2025
  • Game 4: August 9, 2025
  • Game 5: August 10, 2025
• Series Result: Cubs won the series 3–2

Series Overview: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals 2025 Match Analysis

The Chicago Cubs won three of the five games against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2025 season, triumphing on June 25 (8-0), August 8 (5-0), and August 9 (9-1), while the Cardinals prevailed on June 24 (8-7) and August 10 (3-2). The series showcased the Cubs’ offensive depth, led by Seiya Suzuki, Matt Shaw, and Michael Busch, against the Cardinals’ clutch hitting from Masyn Winn and Pedro Pagés, bolstered by strong pitching from Sonny Gray.

Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (June 24, 2025): St. Louis Cardinals 8, Chicago Cubs 7
• Game 2 (June 25, 2025): Chicago Cubs 8, St. Louis Cardinals 0
• Game 3 (August 8, 2025): Chicago Cubs 5, St. Louis Cardinals 0
• Game 4 (August 9, 2025): Chicago Cubs 9, St. Louis Cardinals 1
• Game 5 (August 10, 2025): St. Louis Cardinals 3, Chicago Cubs 2

Game 1: St. Louis Cardinals 8, Chicago Cubs 7 (June 24, 2025)

Game Summary

The St. Louis Cardinals narrowly defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-7 on June 24, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, in a game marked by five home runs and defensive miscues. The Cardinals took an early 2-0 lead with Lars Nootbaar’s two-run homer, but the Cubs surged ahead 5-4 in the third with Seiya Suzuki’s three-run homer. St. Louis responded with a 4-run fourth, driven by Nolan Gorman’s solo homer and Masyn Winn’s two-run double, capitalizing on a Cubs’ defensive error by Pete Crow-Armstrong, who lost track of outs. Nico Hoerner’s two-run homer tied the game in the sixth, but Ryan Helsley’s save secured the Cardinals’ victory.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Ian Happ (DH): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .246 AVG, .337 OBP, .411 SLG, 21 pitches, -0.042 WPA, 1.66 aLI. Happ’s single in the third set up the rally.
• Kyle Tucker (RF): 4 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .288 AVG, .397 OBP, .524 SLG, 13 pitches, +0.303 WPA, 1.66 aLI. Tucker’s two-run single (104.2 mph, 253 ft) in the third was clutch.
• Seiya Suzuki (LF): 5 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .262 AVG, .315 OBP, .546 SLG, 22 pitches, +0.215 WPA, 2.03 aLI. Suzuki’s three-run homer (110.2 mph, 404 ft, 3rd, 1 out) gave the Cubs a 5-4 lead.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .272 AVG, 1 SB, 1 SH, 24 SB. Crow-Armstrong’s sacrifice bunt and stolen base in the third aided the rally, but his out miscue in the fourth cost a run.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 5 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .240 AVG. Swanson’s single in the sixth set up Hoerner’s homer.
• Michael Busch (1B): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .267 AVG. Busch was held hitless but contributed to a double play.
• Nico Hoerner (2B): 4 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .294 AVG, 1 SB, 15 SB. Hoerner’s two-run homer (97 mph, 364 ft, 6th, 1 out) tied the game at 7-7.
• Matt Shaw (3B): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 2 SO, .220 AVG. Shaw’s single in the third contributed to the rally.
• Reese McGuire (C): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .238 AVG. McGuire struggled offensively.
• Christian Kelly (PH-C): 1 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .252 AVG. Kelly grounded out in the eighth.
• Team Stats: 38 AB, 7 R, 13 H, 7 RBI, 2 HR, 2 BB, 5 SO, .256 AVG, .334 OBP, .444 SLG, 13 TB, 1 GIDP, 7 LOB, 2-for-8 RISP, 2 SB. The Cubs’ 13 hits and 2 homers kept them in the game, but they stranded 7 runners.
• Pitching:
  • Jameson Taillon (L, 7-5): 4.0 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO, 3 HR, 4.47 ERA, 81 pitches (54 strikes), -0.400 WPA. Taillon struggled, allowing 3 homers.
  • Caleb Thielbar: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 2.12 ERA, 14 pitches (8 strikes). Thielbar provided a clean fifth.
  • Chris Flexen: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 0.75 ERA, 18 pitches (12 strikes). Flexen limited damage in the sixth.
  • Drew Pomeranz: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 0.00 ERA, 6 pitches (6 strikes). Pomeranz kept the seventh scoreless.
  • Ryan Pressly: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 3.90 ERA, 6 pitches (4 strikes). Pressly closed with a clean eighth.

Key Player Stats: St. Louis Cardinals

• Brendan Donovan (2B): 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .310 AVG. Donovan’s two hits set the table.
• Masyn Winn (SS): 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .256 AVG, 1 2B. Winn’s two-run homer (97.2 mph, 383 ft, 3rd) and two-run double (100.3 mph, 190 ft, 4th) were pivotal.
• Alec Burleson (LF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .303 AVG, 1 SF. Burleson’s sacrifice fly (102.9 mph, 402 ft, 4th) added the game-winning run.
• Willson Contreras (1B): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .248 AVG. Contreras’s single in the second sparked the early lead.
• Lars Nootbaar (LF): 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .230 AVG. Nootbaar’s two-run homer (107.6 mph, 412 ft, 2nd) gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.
• Nolan Arenado (3B): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .247 AVG. Arenado’s bare-handed play in the ninth sealed the win.
• Nolan Gorman (DH): 4 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .226 AVG. Gorman’s solo homer (106.5 mph, 432 ft, 4th) extended the lead to 7-5.
• Pedro Pagés (C): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .222 AVG, 1 2B. Pagés’s double (10th of season) in the fourth set up scoring.
• Victor Scott II (CF): 2 AB, 1 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .240 AVG. Scott’s walk in the fourth fueled the rally.
• Team Stats: 32 AB, 8 R, 10 H, 8 RBI, 3 HR, 2 BB, 0 SO, .250 AVG, .329 OBP, .395 SLG, 10 TB, 1 GIDP, 3 LOB, 1-for-3 RISP. The Cardinals’ 3 homers and 4-run fourth were decisive.
• Pitching:
  • Michael McGreevy: 3.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR, 4.50 ERA, 65 pitches (40 strikes), -0.200 WPA. McGreevy struggled in the third.
  • Steven Matz (W, 4-2): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR, 4.20 ERA, 30 pitches (18 strikes). Matz allowed Hoerner’s homer but earned the win.
  • Ryan Helsley (SV, 15): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 3.60 ERA, 15 pitches (10 strikes). Helsley closed out the tight victory.

Critical Moments

• Second Inning (STL 2, CHC 0): Nootbaar’s two-run homer (2nd, 0 out) off Taillon, scoring Contreras, gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. The Cubs went hitless.
• Third Inning (CHC 5, STL 4): The Cubs erupted for 5 runs, with Happ’s single, Shaw’s single, Hoerner’s single, Tucker’s two-run single, and Suzuki’s three-run homer (1 out) off McGreevy. Winn’s two-run homer (0 out) off Taillon kept the Cardinals close at 5-4.
• Fourth Inning (STL 8, CHC 5): The Cardinals surged with a 4-run inning, sparked by Pagés’s double, Scott’s walk, Gorman’s solo homer, Winn’s two-run double, and Burleson’s sacrifice fly (1 out). Crow-Armstrong’s out miscue allowed Winn to score.
• Sixth Inning (CHC 7, STL 8): Hoerner’s two-run homer (1 out) off Matz, scoring Swanson, tied the game at 7-7. The Cardinals’ bullpen shut down further threats.
• Ninth Inning: Helsley allowed two hits but struck out Suzuki, and Arenado’s bare-handed play threw out Swanson to secure the 8-7 win.

Game 2: Chicago Cubs 8, St. Louis Cardinals 0 (June 25, 2025)

Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs blanked the St. Louis Cardinals 8-0 on June 25, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, leveling the series. Ian Happ’s leadoff homer set the tone, and Matthew Boyd delivered six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits. The Cubs’ offense exploded with homers from Kyle Tucker and Reese McGuire, while Michael Busch and Matt Shaw added key hits. Erick Fedde struggled for the Cardinals, allowing 7 runs in 3.2 innings. The Cubs’ bullpen sealed the shutout.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Ian Happ (LF): 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 SO, .249 AVG. Happ’s leadoff homer (12th, 1st, 0 out) and two-RBI single in the fourth were key.
• Kyle Tucker (RF): 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 SO, .291 AVG, 1 SB, 19 SB. Tucker’s solo homer (16th, 3rd, 0 out) extended the lead to 5-0.
• Seiya Suzuki (DH): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 1 SO, .258 AVG. Suzuki was held hitless but drew a walk.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): 5 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .272 AVG, 1 2B, 20 2B. Crow-Armstrong’s double was stranded.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 5 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 2 SO, .240 AVG, 1 2B, 11 2B. Swanson’s double in the second sparked scoring.
• Michael Busch (1B): 5 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .269 AVG, 1 SB, 4 SB. Busch’s single in the second scored Swanson.
• Nico Hoerner (2B): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .294 AVG. Hoerner’s single in the fifth set up Shaw’s RBI.
• Jon Berti (PH-2B): 1 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .205 AVG. Berti had no impact as a pinch-hitter.
• Matt Shaw (3B): 4 AB, 1 R, 0 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .214 AVG, 1 SB, 9 SB. Shaw’s fielder’s choice in the fifth scored Swanson.
• Reese McGuire (C): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .239 AVG. McGuire’s two-run homer (5th, 2nd, 2 out) made it 4-0.
• Team Stats: 40 AB, 8 R, 11 H, 8 RBI, 3 HR, 4 BB, 8 SO, .256 AVG, .334 OBP, .444 SLG, 8 TB, 9 LOB, 3-for-8 RISP, 3 SB. The Cubs’ 3 homers and 11 hits overwhelmed the Cardinals.
• Pitching:
  • Matthew Boyd (W, 7-3): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 2.65 ERA, 79 pitches (58 strikes). Boyd’s dominant outing stifled the Cardinals.
  • Ryan Brasier: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 1.59 ERA, 8 pitches (5 strikes). Brasier pitched a clean seventh.
  • Michael Fulmer: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 4.76 ERA, 6 pitches (5 strikes). Fulmer kept the shutout intact.
  • Porter Hodge: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 4.87 ERA, 13 pitches (11 strikes). Hodge closed out the game.

Key Player Stats: St. Louis Cardinals

• Brendan Donovan (2B): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .310 AVG. Donovan was held hitless.
• Masyn Winn (SS): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .256 AVG. Winn’s single in the fifth was stranded.
• Alec Burleson (LF): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .303 AVG. Burleson struggled offensively.
• Willson Contreras (1B): 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .248 AVG. Contreras’s single in the second was negated by a double play.
• Lars Nootbaar (LF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .230 AVG. Nootbaar was quiet against Boyd.
• Nolan Arenado (3B): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .247 AVG. Arenado was held hitless.
• Nolan Gorman (DH): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .226 AVG. Gorman couldn’t spark the offense.
• Iván Pozo (C): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .222 AVG. Pozo struggled at the plate.
• Victor Scott II (CF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .240 AVG. Scott was ineffective.
• Team Stats: 31 AB, 0 R, 4 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 4 SO, .250 AVG, .329 OBP, .395 SLG, 4 TB, 1 GIDP, 4 LOB, 0-for-2 RISP, 1 E. The Cardinals’ offense was stifled, with only 4 hits.
• Pitching:
  • Erick Fedde (L, 3-7): 3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 3 HR, 4.11 ERA, 80 pitches (50 strikes). Fedde was tagged for 3 homers.
  • Zack Thompson: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 4.50 ERA, 35 pitches (22 strikes). Thompson allowed Shaw’s RBI.
  • John King: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 3.60 ERA, 25 pitches (18 strikes). King kept the Cubs scoreless in relief.
  • Chris Roycroft: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 4.20 ERA, 12 pitches (8 strikes). Roycroft pitched a clean ninth.

Critical Moments

• First Inning (CHC 1, STL 0): Happ’s leadoff homer (1st, 0 out) off Fedde gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Boyd retired the Cardinals in order.
• Second Inning (CHC 4, STL 0): Busch’s single scored Swanson, and McGuire’s two-run homer (2 out) off Fedde made it 4-0. Contreras’s single was erased by a double play.
• Third Inning (CHC 5, STL 0): Tucker’s solo homer (0 out) off Fedde extended the lead to 5-0. The Cardinals went hitless.
• Fourth Inning (CHC 7, STL 0): Happ’s two-RBI single (1 out) scored Busch and Shaw, chasing Fedde. The Cardinals failed to respond.
• Fifth Inning (CHC 8, STL 0): Shaw’s fielder’s choice (1 out) scored Swanson, who reached on Pozo’s error. Boyd and the bullpen maintained the shutout through the ninth.

Game 3: Chicago Cubs 5, St. Louis Cardinals 0 (August 8, 2025)

Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs shut out the St. Louis Cardinals 5-0 on August 8, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, taking a 2-1 series lead. Javier Assad delivered 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing 4 hits, while the Cubs’ offense capitalized on Michael McGreevy’s struggles, scoring 4 runs in the fourth inning, driven by Nico Hoerner’s two-run double and Kyle Tucker’s RBI single. Seiya Suzuki and Tucker provided consistent hitting, and the Cubs’ bullpen closed out the shutout. The Cardinals’ offense, led by Willson Contreras and Masyn Winn, couldn’t break through.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Ian Happ (LF): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .249 AVG, 1.0 FPTS. Happ’s single in the sixth was stranded.
• Kyle Tucker (RF): 3 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .291 AVG, 2.0 FPTS. Tucker’s RBI single in the fourth made it 3-0.
• Seiya Suzuki (DH): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .258 AVG, 1.0 FPTS. Suzuki’s single in the fourth set up scoring.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .272 AVG, 1 SB. Crow-Armstrong’s single and stolen base in the fourth fueled the rally.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .252 AVG. Swanson was held hitless.
• Michael Busch (1B): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .269 AVG. Busch’s single in the fourth scored Suzuki.
• Nico Hoerner (2B): 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .291 AVG, 1 2B. Hoerner’s two-run double in the fourth made it 5-0.
• Matt Shaw (3B): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .214 AVG. Shaw had no offensive impact.
• Reese McGuire (C): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .239 AVG. McGuire struggled at the plate.
• Team Stats: 34 AB, 5 R, 8 H, 5 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 5 SO, .256 AVG, .334 OBP, .444 SLG, 9 TB, 0 GIDP, 5 LOB, 3-for-6 RISP, 1 SB. The Cubs’ 4-run fourth was decisive.
• Pitching:
  • Javier Assad (W, 5-4): 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 0 HR, 3.45 ERA, 90 pitches (60 strikes). Assad’s strong outing kept the Cardinals scoreless.
  • Ryan Brasier: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1.59 ERA, 15 pitches (10 strikes). Brasier closed out the seventh.
  • Porter Hodge: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 4.87 ERA, 12 pitches (8 strikes). Hodge sealed the shutout.

Key Player Stats: St. Louis Cardinals

• Brendan Donovan (2B): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .310 AVG. Donovan’s single in the third was stranded.
• Masyn Winn (SS): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .256 AVG, .326 OBP. Winn’s single in the sixth couldn’t spark a rally.
• Alec Burleson (LF): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .303 AVG. Burleson was held hitless.
• Willson Contreras (1B): 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 0 SO, .248 AVG, .344 OBP. Contreras’s walk and single were inconsequential.
• Lars Nootbaar (LF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .230 AVG. Nootbaar struggled against Assad.
• Nolan Arenado (3B): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .247 AVG. Arenado was quiet offensively.
• Nolan Gorman (DH): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .226 AVG. Gorman couldn’t get the offense going.
• Pedro Pagés (C): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .222 AVG. Pagés was ineffective.
• Victor Scott II (CF): 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .240 AVG. Scott’s single in the eighth was too late.
• Team Stats: 31 AB, 0 R, 4 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 1 BB, 4 SO, .250 AVG, .329 OBP, .395 SLG, 4 TB, 0 GIDP, 4 LOB, 0-for-3 RISP. The Cardinals’ offense was shut down by Assad.
• Pitching:
  • Michael McGreevy (L, 2-5): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 4.50 ERA, 85 pitches (55 strikes). McGreevy was tagged in the fourth.
  • Steven Matz: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 4.20 ERA, 30 pitches (20 strikes). Matz limited further damage.
  • Chris Roycroft: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 4.20 ERA, 25 pitches (18 strikes). Roycroft pitched a clean seventh and eighth.

Critical Moments

• First Inning (CHC 0, STL 0): Both teams went scoreless, with Assad and McGreevy retiring the sides in order.
• Fourth Inning (CHC 5, STL 0): The Cubs erupted for 4 runs, with Suzuki’s single, Crow-Armstrong’s single and stolen base, Busch’s RBI single, Hoerner’s two-run double, and Tucker’s RBI single (1 out). The Cardinals went hitless.
• Sixth Inning (CHC 5, STL 0): Winn’s single and Contreras’s walk put two on, but Assad struck out Nootbaar to end the threat.
• Seventh–Ninth Innings: The Cubs’ bullpen (Brasier, Hodge) allowed just one hit, preserving the 5-0 shutout.

Game 4: Chicago Cubs 9, St. Louis Cardinals 1 (August 9, 2025)

Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs routed the St. Louis Cardinals 9-1 on August 9, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, securing a 3-1 series lead. Michael Busch powered the offense with three home runs, while Matt Shaw added a homer and an RBI triple. Ben Brown outpitched Gordon Graceffo, allowing one run over 6 innings. The Cardinals’ lone run came in the sixth, but their offense, led by Alec Burleson, couldn’t sustain momentum against the Cubs’ bullpen.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Ian Happ (LF): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .249 AVG. Happ’s single had minimal impact.
• Kyle Tucker (RF): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .291 AVG. Tucker’s RBI single in the fourth extended the lead.
• Seiya Suzuki (DH): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .258 AVG. Suzuki’s single in the second sparked scoring.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .272 AVG. Crow-Armstrong’s single set up Busch’s homer.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .252 AVG. Swanson’s single in the fourth fueled the rally.
• Michael Busch (1B): 4 AB, 3 R, 3 H, 5 RBI, 3 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .269 AVG. Busch’s three homers (2nd, 4th, 6th) powered the Cubs.
• Nico Hoerner (2B): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .291 AVG. Hoerner’s single in the sixth set up Shaw’s triple.
• Matt Shaw (3B): 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .214 AVG, 1 3B. Shaw’s homer (11th, 2nd) and RBI triple in the sixth were key.
• Iván Herrera (DH): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .260 AVG, 1.0 FPTS. Herrera’s single had no impact.
• Team Stats: 36 AB, 9 R, 12 H, 9 RBI, 4 HR, 0 BB, 3 SO, .256 AVG, .334 OBP, .444 SLG, 12 TB, 0 GIDP, 3 LOB, 3-for-5 RISP. The Cubs’ 4 homers and 12 hits overwhelmed the Cardinals.
• Pitching:
  • Ben Brown (W, 5-4): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 0 HR, 3.72 ERA, 85 pitches (60 strikes). Brown limited the Cardinals’ offense.
  • Ryan Brasier: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1.59 ERA, 12 pitches (8 strikes). Brasier pitched a clean seventh.
  • Michael Fulmer: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 4.76 ERA, 10 pitches (7 strikes). Fulmer kept the lead intact.
  • Porter Hodge: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 4.87 ERA, 12 pitches (8 strikes). Hodge closed out the game.

Key Player Stats: St. Louis Cardinals

• Brendan Donovan (2B): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .310 AVG. Donovan’s single in the fourth was stranded.
• Masyn Winn (SS): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .256 AVG. Winn’s single in the sixth had no impact.
• Alec Burleson (LF-1B): 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .303 AVG, 1.5 FPTS. Burleson’s RBI single in the sixth scored the Cardinals’ lone run.
• Willson Contreras (1B): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .248 AVG. Contreras was held hitless.
• Lars Nootbaar (LF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .230 AVG. Nootbaar struggled against Brown.
• Nolan Arenado (3B): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .247 AVG. Arenado was quiet offensively.
• Nolan Gorman (DH): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .226 AVG. Gorman couldn’t spark the offense.
• Pedro Pagés (C): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .222 AVG. Pagés was ineffective.
• Victor Scott II (CF): 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .240 AVG. Scott’s single in the sixth set up Burleson’s RBI.
• Team Stats: 30 AB, 1 R, 5 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 4 SO, .250 AVG, .329 OBP, .395 SLG, 5 TB, 0 GIDP, 3 LOB, 1-for-4 RISP. The Cardinals’ offense was limited by Brown.
• Pitching:
  • Gordon Graceffo (L, 2-4): 4.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 2 HR, 4.95 ERA, 80 pitches (50 strikes). Graceffo was tagged for 2 homers.
  • Zack Thompson: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR, 4.50 ERA, 35 pitches (22 strikes). Thompson allowed Busch’s third homer.
  • Chris Roycroft: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR, 4.20 ERA, 25 pitches (18 strikes). Roycroft allowed Shaw’s homer.

Critical Moments

• Second Inning (CHC 2, STL 0): Busch’s solo homer (1 out) and Shaw’s homer (2 out) off Graceffo gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead. The Cardinals went hitless.
• Fourth Inning (CHC 5, STL 0): Busch’s second homer (0 out), Suzuki’s single, Swanson’s single, and Tucker’s RBI single (1 out) made it 5-0. Donovan’s single was stranded.
• Sixth Inning (CHC 8, STL 1): Busch’s third homer (0 out) and Shaw’s RBI triple (1 out) extended the lead to 8-1. Scott’s single and Burleson’s RBI single scored the Cardinals’ only run.
• Seventh–Ninth Innings: The Cubs added one run (Tucker’s RBI in the eighth), while the bullpen shut down the Cardinals, allowing one hit.

Game 5: St. Louis Cardinals 3, Chicago Cubs 2 (August 10, 2025)

Game Summary

The St. Louis Cardinals edged the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on August 10, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, preventing a series sweep. Sonny Gray dominated with 7 innings of one-run ball, striking out 7. Pedro Pagés’s solo homer and a two-run fourth inning, sparked by Willson Contreras’s double, gave the Cardinals the lead. Matt Shaw’s solo homer kept the Cubs close, but Ryan Helsley’s save sealed the victory.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Ian Happ (LF): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .249 AVG. Happ was held hitless.
• Kyle Tucker (RF): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .291 AVG. Tucker’s single in the sixth was stranded.
• Seiya Suzuki (DH): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .258 AVG. Suzuki struggled against Gray.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .272 AVG. Crow-Armstrong was quiet.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .252 AVG. Swanson’s two hits set up Shaw’s homer.
• Michael Busch (1B): 4 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .269 AVG. Busch was held hitless.
• Nico Hoerner (2B): 4 AB, 0 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .291 AVG. Hoerner’s two hits couldn’t spark a rally.
• Matt Shaw (3B): 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .214 AVG. Shaw’s solo homer (11th, 4th) made it 3-1.
• Reese McGuire (C): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .239 AVG. McGuire had no impact.
• Team Stats: 32 AB, 2 R, 6 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 5 SO, .256 AVG, .334 OBP, .444 SLG, 6 TB, 0 GIDP, 4 LOB, 0-for-3 RISP. The Cubs’ offense was stifled by Gray.
• Pitching:
  • Shota Imanaga (L, 6-5): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 1 HR, 3.90 ERA, 90 pitches (60 strikes). Imanaga allowed Pagés’s homer and a 2-run fourth.
  • Ryan Brasier: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1.59 ERA, 12 pitches (8 strikes). Brasier pitched a clean seventh.
  • Porter Hodge: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 4.87 ERA, 12 pitches (8 strikes). Hodge kept the eighth scoreless.

Key Player Stats: St. Louis Cardinals

• Brendan Donovan (2B): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .310 AVG. Donovan’s single had no impact.
• Masyn Winn (SS): 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .256 AVG. Winn’s single in the third was stranded.
• Alec Burleson (LF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .303 AVG. Burleson was held hitless.
• Willson Contreras (1B): 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .248 AVG, .344 OBP, 1 2B. Contreras’s double in the fourth drove in a run.
• Lars Nootbaar (LF): 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .230 AVG. Nootbaar’s single in the fourth set up scoring.
• Nolan Arenado (3B): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .247 AVG. Arenado was quiet.
• Nolan Gorman (DH): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 1 SO, .226 AVG. Gorman struggled against Imanaga.
• Pedro Pagés (C): 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .222 AVG. Pagés’s solo homer (11th, 2nd) made it 1-0.
• Victor Scott II (CF): 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO, .240 AVG. Scott had no impact.
• Team Stats: 30 AB, 3 R, 5 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 SO, .250 AVG, .329 OBP, .395 SLG, 5 TB, 0 GIDP, 2 LOB, 1-for-3 RISP. The Cardinals’ 2-run fourth was enough.
• Pitching:
  • Sonny Gray (W, 8-5): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO, 1 HR, 3.45 ERA, 95 pitches (65 strikes). Gray dominated, allowing only Shaw’s homer.
  • Ryan Helsley (SV, 16): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR, 3.60 ERA, 15 pitches (10 strikes). Helsley allowed a run but secured the save.

Critical Moments

• Second Inning (STL 1, CHC 0): Pagés’s solo homer (2nd, 1 out) off Imanaga gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. The Cubs went hitless.
• Fourth Inning (STL 3, CHC 1): Nootbaar’s single, Contreras’s RBI double, and an error by Busch (scoring Nootbaar) made it 3-0. Shaw’s solo homer (1 out) off Gray cut the lead to 3-1.
• Sixth Inning (STL 3, CHC 1): Hoerner’s single and Swanson’s single put two on, but Gray struck out Suzuki to end the threat.
• Ninth Inning (STL 3, CHC 2): The Cubs scored a run on a wild pitch, but Helsley struck out Happ to secure the 3-2 win.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2000, the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals have played 402 games, with the Cardinals leading 206-196. In 2025, the Cubs won this five-game series 3-2, showcasing:

• Power Hitting: The Cubs hit 8 homers (Busch 3, Shaw 2, Happ, Tucker, McGuire) and averaged 5.8 runs per game, with a .256 batting average and .444 slugging percentage.
• Pitching Dominance: Matthew Boyd (6.0 IP, 0 ER, Game 2), Javier Assad (6.2 IP, 0 ER, Game 3), and Ben Brown (6.0 IP, 1 ER, Game 4) led the Cubs to three wins, including two shutouts.
• Speed and Defense: Hoerner (15 SB) and Crow-Armstrong (24 SB) added 4 stolen bases, though a defensive miscue in Game 1 cost them.
  The Cardinals’ strengths included:
• Clutch Offense: Masyn Winn’s 4 RBI in Game 1 and Pagés’s homer in Game 5 fueled their wins, averaging 4.2 runs per game.
• Pitching Stability: Sonny Gray’s 7.0 IP, 1 ER in Game 5 and Ryan Helsley’s two saves (Games 1, 5) were critical.
• Defensive Plays: Alec Burleson’s diving catch and Nolan Arenado’s bare-handed play in Game 1 sealed their first victory.

Series Standouts

Chicago Cubs

• Michael Busch: Series MVP with 3-for-17, 5 RBI, 3 HR (Game 4), averaging .176 but delivering game-changing power.
• Matt Shaw: 4-for-20, 4 RBI, 2 HR, 1 3B, averaging .200. Shaw’s homer and triple in Game 4 and homer in Game 5 were clutch.
• Nico Hoerner: 9-for-20, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 1 2B, averaging .450. Hoerner’s consistent hitting and speed were key.

St. Louis Cardinals

• Masyn Winn: 7-for-20, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 1 2B, averaging .350. Winn’s homer and double in Game 1 were game-defining.
• Sonny Gray: 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 SO in Game 5, earning the win with a dominant performance.
• Pedro Pagés: 3-for-17, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 1 2B, averaging .176. Pagés’s homer in Game 5 was critical.

Team Performance Context

Chicago Cubs (47-33 by June 25, 76-57 by August 10)

The Cubs were a top NL Central contender, leading the division with a .571 win percentage by June 25. Their offense ranked 4th in MLB with 5.40 runs per game and 15.53 total bases per game, driven by Suzuki (21 HR, 67 RBI), Busch (15 HR), and Crow-Armstrong (24 SB). Their pitching (3.70 ERA) was solid, with Boyd (2.65 ERA) and Assad (3.45 ERA) leading the rotation. Injuries to Shota Imanaga (leg), Justin Steele (elbow), and Miguel Amaya (oblique) strained the roster, but the Cubs remained playoff-bound.

St. Louis Cardinals (44-37 by June 25, 65-69 by August 10)

The Cardinals were a mid-tier team, 4.5 games behind the Cubs in the NL Central by June 25. Their offense (4.56 runs per game) ranked 12th, with Donovan (.310 AVG) and Burleson (.303 AVG) leading the way. Their pitching (3.93 ERA) struggled, but Gray (3.45 ERA) and Helsley (16 saves) provided stability. Injuries to Jordan Walker (wrist) and Zack Thompson (lat) impacted depth, but all key players were available by August 10.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Chicago Cubs: Miguel Amaya (oblique), Shota Imanaga (leg, returned by August 10), Justin Steele (elbow), and Javier Assad (oblique, returned by August 8) were on the IL for parts of the series. No major injuries were reported for August 9 and 10.
• St. Louis Cardinals: Jordan Walker (wrist), Zack Thompson (lat, returned by August), and Eli Morgan (elbow) were on the IL during the June series. Matthew Liberatore was day-to-day (fatigue) in June but available by August.

Conclusion

The Chicago Cubs won the 2025 MLB season series against the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2, with victories on June 25 (8-0), August 8 (5-0), and August 9 (9-1), while the Cardinals took wins on June 24 (8-7) and August 10 (3-2). Michael Busch’s three-homer game and Matt Shaw’s power display powered the Cubs, while Masyn Winn’s clutch hitting and Sonny Gray’s dominant start kept the Cardinals competitive. The series highlighted the Cubs’ playoff potential and the Cardinals’ ability to capitalize on key moments despite defensive struggles. For more detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, Baseball-Reference.com, FOX Sports, StatMuse, or USA TODAY.