Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs September 9th 2025
The Chicago Cubs will take on the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. The Cubs, with a record of 81-63, are second in the NL Central. They are on a three-game losing streak and have gone 5-5 in their last ten games. The Braves, holding a 65-79 record, sit fourth in the NL East. They have won their last game and are 4-6 in their last ten games.
Craig Counsell manages the Cubs, while Brian Snitker leads the Braves. The starting pitchers are Cade Horton for the Cubs and Spencer Strider for the Braves. Horton has a 2.78 ERA and a 9-4 record. Strider has a 4.97 ERA and a 5-12 record. The game will be played under clear skies with a light breeze. Tune in to FDSSO at 7:15 PM for the game.
Cubs vs Braves Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves
- Venue: Truist Park in Atlanta, GA
- Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- Betting Odds: Cubs Moneyline -107, Braves Moneyline -110, Cubs Runline -1.5 (+156), Braves Runline +1.5 (-191), Total Over 8.5 (-109), Total Under 8.5 (-111)
The Cubs Can Win If Their Power Bats Stay Hot
The Chicago Cubs dropped Game 1 of their three-game series with the Atlanta Braves in a 4-1 loss, but there’s no panic in the dugout. Despite the outcome, Shota Imanaga gave the Cubs a chance, allowing three runs over six innings. Nico Hoerner doubled and scored the team’s lone run, continuing to be a reliable spark at the top of the order.
Power Is the Cubs’ Best Weapon
The Cubs’ offense has been among the most explosive in the league. They rank:
- 6th in slugging percentage (.426)
- 7th in home runs (195)
Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner lead the charge — Suzuki with 27 home runs, and Hoerner hitting a solid .291. If the bats wake up early, the Cubs can grab control.
Cade Horton’s Consistency Matters
Cade Horton (9-4, 2.78 ERA) has been a rock on the mound. In his last start against Atlanta, Horton didn’t allow a single hit through five scoreless innings. Over his last 11 outings, he owns a 1.23 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 58.2 innings. Simply put: the rookie has been locked in.
Spencer Strider starts for Atlanta, and while his stuff is electric, he’s struggled since returning from UCL surgery. With a 4.97 ERA and five straight losses, the Cubs may be in a great position to capitalize.
Category | Stat |
---|---|
Slugging % | .426 (6th) |
Home Runs | 195 (7th) |
Cade Horton’s ERA | 2.78 |
Record vs Braves | 2-2 Season Series |
The Braves Can Win If They Control the Long Ball
The Braves ended a two-game slide by beating the Cubs 4-1 in the series opener, and their formula was simple: strong starting pitching and timely power. Bryce Elder threw 6.1 efficient innings, and home runs from Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies sealed the deal.
Strider’s Return Is the Wild Card
Strider (5-12, 4.97 ERA) hasn’t been himself this season. The right-hander, known for his strikeouts and velocity, has posted a 9.13 ERA over his last five outings, with eight homers allowed in 23.2 innings. Still, Atlanta is betting on him to rediscover his rhythm with extended rest.
If Strider can settle in early and avoid the long ball, he has the tools to flip the script.
Offense Still Has Firepower
Atlanta ranks 10th in on-base percentage and has launched 162 home runs this season. Matt Olson leads the team with 23 dingers and a .272 average. Even without Sean Murphy (out with a hip injury), this lineup can deliver in bunches.
The Braves recently added reliever Alexis Diaz and made several bullpen shuffles to stabilize the backend. That could play a role in close matchups like this one.
Category | Stat |
---|---|
On-Base % | Top 10 |
Team Home Runs | 162 |
Strider’s ERA (last 5) | 9.13 |
Record vs Cubs | 2-2 Season Series |
Picks and Predictions for Cubs vs Braves
The betting market has this one near-even:
- Cubs Moneyline: -107
- Braves Moneyline: -110
- Total (Over/Under): 8.5 Runs
Score Prediction
Horton’s dominance and the Cubs’ superior slugging numbers tilt this matchup slightly in Chicago’s favor. Meanwhile, Strider’s inconsistency makes him hard to trust until he finds his form.
Both teams have the power to go over the total, especially if the bullpens are tested early. You can browse more MLB betting predictions or stay updated with live MLB odds.
Cubs vs Braves: A Crucial Test for Both Teams
The Cubs are clinging to a playoff spot, and the Braves are desperate to play spoiler. Horton is the key for Chicago, especially after his hitless gem last week. If he’s anywhere near that level again, the Cubs will be in great shape.
Strider, on the other hand, is still finding his groove after injury rehab. This outing could define whether he’s ready for a late-season turnaround or remains a liability.
For fans and bettors alike, this one is loaded with narrative — and playoff implications.