Overview
The Chicago Cubs face the Los Angeles Angels in the final game of their three-game series on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 1:07 PM PDT at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Cubs lead the series 2-0 after a 3-2 win on Friday, powered by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s tiebreaking homer, and a 6-4 victory on Saturday, driven by Seiya Suzuki’s two-run double. This interleague matchup is crucial for the Cubs to complete a sweep and bolster their NL wild card position, while the Angels aim to salvage a win at home. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Team Analysis
Chicago Cubs
- 2025 Record (as of August 23): 74-55, 2nd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 5.6 runs/game with a .256 batting average and a 3.84 ERA. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 28 HRs and Nico Hoerner’s .288 BA lead the offense, though injuries to Miguel Amaya (ankle) and Ryan Brasier (oblique) test their depth.
- Strengths: Strong offense (5.33 runs/game, 2nd in MLB) and a 5-1 record in their last 6 road games.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent bullpen (4.20 ERA in August) and a 33-30 road record.
- Player to Watch: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF) – His .245 BA, 28 HRs, 86 RBI, and game-winning homer on Friday make him a power threat.
Los Angeles Angels
- 2025 Record (as of August 23): 61-67, 4th in AL West
- Performance Overview: The Angels are 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.3 runs/game with a .232 batting average and a 4.63 ERA. Taylor Ward’s 29 HRs and Nolan Schanuel’s .267 BA drive the offense, but injuries to Anthony Rendon (hip), Ben Joyce (shoulder), and Robert Stephenson (bicep) weaken their lineup.
- Strengths: Power hitting (139 HRs, 5th in MLB) and a 34-33 home record.
- Weaknesses: Poor pitching (4.63 ERA, 25th in MLB) and a 3-8 record against the Cubs since 2023.
- Player to Watch: Taylor Ward (LF) – His .235 BA, 29 HRs, 92 RBI, and 3-for-8 in the series make him a key power hitter.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Cubs lead the 2025 season series 5-1, including wins of 3-2 and 6-4 in this series. The Angels won 7-0 at Wrigley Field on July 6, 2024.
- Recent Encounter: On August 23, the Cubs won 6-4, with Cade Horton outpitching Victor Mederos and Suzuki’s two-run double sealing the victory.
- Key Insight: The Cubs’ offensive surge and pitching consistency have dominated this series, but the Angels’ power bats could spark a comeback at home.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | Matthew Boyd (LHP) | 11-5 | 2.46 | 135.0 | 132 | 1.12 |
| Angels | Yusei Kikuchi (LHP) | 6-7 | 3.37 | 147.2 | 155 | 1.24 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Matthew Boyd (Cubs)
- Strengths: Elite 2.46 ERA, 8.8 K/9, and a 1.12 WHIP, with a 2.10 ERA in his last 5 starts. His changeup-cutter combo limits hard contact, and he’s 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA vs. the Angels this season.
- Negatives: Occasional struggles against power hitters (1.1 HR/9) could be targeted by Ward or Yoán Moncada.
- Yusei Kikuchi (Angels)
- Strengths: Solid 3.37 ERA, 9.5 K/9, and a 3.00 ERA in his last 3 home starts. His slider-fastball mix is effective against lefty-heavy lineups.
- Negatives: Inconsistent control (3.2 BB/9) and a 5.40 ERA in his last start vs. the Cubs could be exploited by Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki.
Key Players to Monitor
- Chicago Cubs:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): .245 BA, 28 HRs, 86 RBI, clutch with a tiebreaking homer on Friday.
- Seiya Suzuki (RF): .251 BA, 27 HRs, 87 RBI, hot with a two-run double in Saturday’s win.
- Nico Hoerner (2B): .288 BA, 123 hits, hitting .310 in last 7 games.
- Los Angeles Angels:
- Taylor Ward (LF): .235 BA, 29 HRs, 92 RBI, 3-for-8 in the series.
- Yoán Moncada (3B): .235 BA, 2 HRs in Friday’s game, a multi-homer threat.
- Nolan Schanuel (1B): .267 BA, 10 HRs, hitting .280 in last 5 games.
Recent Performance
- Chicago Cubs: At 74-55, the Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10, scoring 56 runs while allowing 40, with their offense thriving in this series.
- Los Angeles Angels: At 61-67, the Angels are 4-6 in their last 10, scoring 43 runs and allowing 49, with their pitching struggling against the Cubs.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Angel Stadium’s neutral dimensions (4.00 park ERA) favor both teams’ power bats, especially Crow-Armstrong and Ward.
- Weather: Forecasted at 92°F with partly cloudy skies and a light breeze, ideal for a high-scoring game.
- Momentum: The Cubs’ series dominance and 5-1 season edge contrast with the Angels’ 4-6 slump and home struggles.
- Betting Odds: Cubs favored at -125, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting Boyd’s edge and offensive potential.
Prediction
The Chicago Cubs hold a clear edge in this matchup, driven by Matthew Boyd’s 2.46 ERA and strong performance against the Angels, compared to Yusei Kikuchi’s 3.37 ERA and control issues. The Angels’ power bats, led by Ward and Moncada, could exploit Boyd’s HR tendencies, but the Cubs’ hot offense, sparked by Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki, should overwhelm Kikuchi. Chicago’s bullpen will likely secure the sweep.
Final Prediction: Chicago Cubs win, 6-3. Crow-Armstrong drives in 2 runs, and Boyd pitches six strong innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (-125) – Boyd’s dominance and the Cubs’ offensive surge make them a strong pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Angel Stadium’s neutral setup and Kikuchi’s control issues suggest a high-scoring game.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong to Record an RBI (+130) – His 28 HRs and Friday’s clutch homer offer strong value against Kikuchi.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 23, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on Marquee Sports Network or FanDuel Sports Network West.
