Published: August 17, 2026

On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Cardinals series preview

The Chicago Cubs are set to host their arch-rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a highly anticipated three-game series at Wrigley Field, marking the final meeting between the two teams this season. As the Cubs look to make a push for the playoffs, this series could have significant implications for their postseason hopes. The series is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 14th, at 1:20 CT, and fans are eagerly awaiting the matchup.

Quick Facts

• The Cubs and Cardinals have a long-standing rivalry, with the two teams having played each other over 2,400 times.
• The Cubs are currently sitting in second place in the National League Central division, while the Cardinals are in third.
• The series will feature a matchup of some of the best pitchers in the league, including the Cubs' Kyle Hendricks and the Cardinals' Jack Flaherty.
• The Cubs have won six of their last ten games, while the Cardinals have won five of their last ten.

What Happened

The Cubs and Cardinals have already met several times this season, with the Cubs holding a slight edge in the season series. In their last meeting, the Cubs took two out of three games from the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cubs' offense has been clicking lately, with several players, including Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, hitting well. The Cardinals, on the other hand, have been struggling to find consistency, but have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly from their pitching staff.

Key Details

The Cubs will be looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage, where they have played well this season. The team's pitching staff, led by Hendricks and Jon Lester, has been solid, and the bullpen has been lights out. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will be relying on their power-hitting lineup, which features players like Paul Goldschmidt and Marcell Ozuna. The series will also feature a matchup of two of the best closers in the league, with the Cubs' Craig Kimbrel facing off against the Cardinals' Jordan Hicks.

Background

The Cubs and Cardinals have a rich history, dating back to the early days of baseball. The two teams have been rivals for over a century, with the Cubs holding a slight edge in the all-time series. The rivalry has been fueled by the proximity of the two cities, as well as the fact that the two teams have often been competing for the same division title. This series has the potential to be a turning point in the season, as the Cubs look to make a push for the playoffs and the Cardinals try to stay in contention.

Why It Matters

This series has significant implications for the Cubs' postseason hopes. A sweep of the Cardinals would put the Cubs in a strong position to make a push for the division title, while a series loss could put them behind the eight ball. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are looking to stay in contention and make a push for a wild-card spot. The series will also have implications for the National League Central division, where several teams are still in contention.

What Happens Next

After this series, the Cubs will head out on the road for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, while the Cardinals will return home to face the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs will be looking to build on their momentum and make a push for the playoffs, while the Cardinals will be trying to stay in contention. The series will be a crucial test for both teams, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the rest of the season.

In conclusion, the upcoming series between the Cubs and Cardinals has all the makings of a classic rivalry matchup. With the Cubs looking to make a push for the playoffs and the Cardinals trying to stay in contention, this series has the potential to be a turning point in the season. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere at Wrigley Field, with plenty of excitement and drama on the field. As the two teams take the field on Friday, one thing is certain: this series will be one to watch.