All articles tagged with #series preview
Paul Skenes headlines a four-game Pirates-Cubs series in Pittsburgh as Chicago faces a tough test while nursing an extended skid and injuries; the Cubs will lean on Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks as they try to wake their offense against a Pirates lineup anchored by Brandon Lowe, Spencer Horwitz, and Ryan O'Hearn, with game-by-game pitching matchups outlined for the series.
The Cubs carry a five-game win streak and a +30 run differential into a four-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Colin Rea starts Game 1 against Aaron Nola, followed by Shota Imanaga vs Jesus Luzardo in Game 2; Matthew Boyd (Game 3) and Edward Cabrera vs Cristopher Sanchez (Game 4) headline the remaining matchups. Chicago’s lineup features Michael Conforto back in the fold with Seiya Suzuki out, and bats like Moises Ballesteros, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Matt Shaw hot lately. The Phillies look to snap their five-game slide as they visit, with rotation and bullpen pieces in play and several listed injuries for both clubs.
As the 2025 MLB season nears its end, AL teams prepare for a crucial final week with playoff spots on the line, while key NL series, including Brewers vs. Padres and a star-studded NL East matchup, highlight the postseason race and player battles.
The Milwaukee Brewers, on a nine-game winning streak and leading the NL Central, are set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are struggling offensively. The series features key pitchers like Jose Quintana and Andrew Heaney for the Brewers and Freddy Peralta and Paul Skenes for the Pirates. The Brewers aim to extend their winning streak, while both teams deal with injuries. The games will be broadcast on MLB Network, MLB.TV, and the Brewers Radio Network.
The Cubs face the Yankees in a challenging three-game series in New York, with key starting pitchers and offensive matchups highlighting the difficulty for the Cubs, especially against top left-handed Yankees pitchers Carlos Rodon and Max Fried. The outcome could impact the Cubs' standing in the division, making this a crucial series.
The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 5, with the Thunder, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, aiming to leverage their strong defense and fast-paced offense against the Pacers' historic offense and efficient ball handling. The series marks Indiana's first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, and the game will be hosted at Paycom Center, with notable matchups and strategic considerations highlighted.
The Chicago Cubs have fallen below .500 and trail the Cardinals in the standings and playoff odds. Despite some recent offensive improvements, the team continues to struggle, particularly in the bullpen. The upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds features key matchups, with the Cubs needing to find a winning formula. Key injuries for both teams could impact the series outcome.
The Chicago Cubs, who were once eight games over .500, are now just one game over and tied with the Cardinals in the loss column. They have a crucial four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, which could propel them to first place if they sweep. Key players like Justin Steele, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, and Mike Tauchman are highlighted, and the Cubs' pitching matchups and injuries are detailed. Despite recent struggles, a strong performance against the Brewers and subsequent weaker teams could turn their season around.
The Seattle Mariners, riding high after three stress-free wins against the Reds, are just a game and a half behind the Rangers and three and a half ahead of the Astros as they head into a series against the struggling Colorado Rockies. Friday’s game has been postponed due to rain and will be made up on Sunday as part of a split doubleheader. The Rockies, one of the worst teams in baseball, have placed Kyle Freeland on the IL with an elbow strain and called up Noah Davis to take his place.
The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face the Minnesota Twins in a two-game series for their home opener, with both teams using their fourth and fifth starters. The Brewers are coming off a three-game win streak, while the Twins secured a series win but suffered a heavy loss in their last game. The Brewers' offense impressed in the opening series, and their bullpen strength gives them an edge, leading to a predicted two-game sweep in the series.
The Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox are set to face off in a four-game series, with the Orioles needing just one win to clinch the division. The Red Sox, currently in last place, have struggled this season despite having an above-average offense. The Orioles have a chance to secure a winning record against the Red Sox, as they have gone 5-4 against them so far this year. The pitching matchups for the series include Chris Sale vs. Dean Kremer, Nick Pivetta vs. John Means, Kutter Crawford vs. TBD, and Tanner Houck vs. TBD.
The Baltimore Orioles are entering a crucial four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays after suffering a tough loss. The Orioles need to secure at least a series split to maintain their division lead. The pitching matchups feature right-handed starters, with the Orioles' ace Kyle Bradish taking the mound in Game 1. The Orioles' offense needs to improve, while the Rays' pitching staff has been solid. The series will be a test of talent and nerves, with both teams vying for the top spot in the AL East.
The Houston Astros are set to host the Oakland Athletics for three more games, with Houston already clinching the season series by winning nine out of ten games against Oakland so far. Houston recently defeated the San Diego Padres, securing a winning record for the season. The Astros have a historical advantage over the Athletics, with a 106-91 head-to-head record and a 3-1 postseason record. The upcoming series will feature starting pitchers Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, and Hunter Brown for Houston, and Mason Miller, J.P. Sears, and Paul Blackburn for Oakland.
The Houston Astros are set to host the New York Yankees for a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Astros are coming off a successful road trip, winning five consecutive games, including a sweep of the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees, on the other hand, have struggled recently, losing 30 of their last 47 games. Despite their recent slump, the Yankees remain a dangerous team and have a strong rivalry with the Astros. The series will feature matchups between Carlos Rodón and Justin Verlander, Luis Severino and Hunter Brown, and Michael King and Cristian Javier.
The Chicago Cubs are set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a four-game series. The Cubs have dominated the Pirates this year, winning all six of their previous matchups and outscoring them 48-14. The Pirates have had an up-and-down season, but their young players have shown promise. The pitching matchups for the series are yet to be confirmed, but the Cubs are expected to continue their winning streak against the Pirates.