The Atlanta Braves visit Wrigley Field Monday afternoon for what should be a great Labor Day matchup. Both teams are fighting for playoff spots, so this series could have huge implications down the stretch. Colin Rea takes the ball for us against Spencer Strider, and honestly, this feels like a game we can steal with the right breaks.
Game Info
When: Monday, September 1, 2025 at 4:05 p.m. ET
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
TV: Marquee Sports Network
Radio: 670 The Score, WRTO 1200
Pitchers: Colin Rea (10-6, 4.23 ERA) vs Spencer Strider (5-12, 4.95 ERA)
The Pitching Matchup Breakdown
Colin Rea gets the start for us, and he’s been solid all year at 10-6 with a 4.23 ERA. Rea’s not going to blow anyone away, but he’s given us quality starts and kept us in games. At Wrigley in front of the home crowd, he should be ready to step up.
The Braves counter with Spencer Strider, and this is interesting. The guy can still strike out batters, but he’s having a down year at 5-12 with a 4.95 ERA. He’s been working his way back from injury, so maybe we can catch him before he finds his groove again. Our hitters need to be patient and work counts.
Why Cubs Fans Should Feel Optimistic
We’re slightly favored, which makes sense playing at home. The over/under is sitting around 7.5 to 8 runs, so it’s not expected to be a slugfest – just solid September baseball between two playoff contenders.
Pete Crow-Armstrong has been swinging a hot bat lately, and playing at home always seems to bring out the best in our guys. The Wrigley crowd on Labor Day should be electric, and that energy can definitely help push us over the line.
The Braves Challenge
Let’s be real – Atlanta is always dangerous. They’ve got Michael Harris II who can hurt you, and their lineup has plenty of power. Even with some key guys banged up, they’re still a quality team that’s made the playoffs consistently.
But they’re on the road, and we’re fighting for our playoff lives just like they are. Sometimes it comes down to who wants it more, and playing at Wrigley in September should give us an edge.
Injury Concerns
We’re still dealing with some key absences. Miguel Amaya, Jameson Taillon, and Michael Soroka are on the shelf, which isn’t ideal. But we’ve been playing through injuries all year.
The Braves have their own issues with Austin Riley out, so neither team is at full strength. That might actually level the playing field a bit.
Cubs Fan Perspective
This is September baseball at Wrigley – it doesn’t get much better than this. We’re in the playoff hunt, the weather should be perfect, and we’re facing a quality opponent that will test where we really stand.
Strider’s numbers this year give us hope that we can get to him early. If Rea can give us six solid innings and our bullpen holds up, we’ve got a real shot to steal game one of this series.
The Labor Day Factor
There’s something special about baseball on Labor Day, especially at Wrigley. The summer’s winding down, but the season’s heating up. These are the games that define seasons and create memories.
We need to take care of business at home against good teams if we want to make the playoffs. This series starts that test.
Let’s pack Wrigley and show the Braves what September baseball in Chicago is all about. Go Cubs Go!
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