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Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs September 1st 2025
The Atlanta Braves are set to play against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Braves come into this game with a record of 62-75, placing them fourth in the NL East. They recently snapped a losing streak with a win and have a 4-6 record in their last ten games.
On the other hand, the Cubs hold a 78-59 record, positioning them second in the NL Central. They aim to bounce back from a recent loss and have split their last ten games at 5-5. With clear skies and a mild breeze expected, the stage is set for an exciting afternoon game on September 1, 2025, at 4:05 PM.
Braves vs Cubs Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs
- Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
- Betting Odds: Braves Moneyline +105, Cubs Moneyline -123
The Braves Can Win If…
The Atlanta Braves are coming off a strong 3-1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies. Hurston Waldrep delivered a solid performance, pitching 5 2/3 innings with 9 strikeouts. Key players like Drake Baldwin and Jake Fraley contributed significantly, with Baldwin hitting a crucial home run.
The Braves have shown they can compete with their batting lineup. Matt Olson leads the team with 21 home runs and a .269 average. The team ranks third in walks this season, which helps them get on base and create scoring chances.
Spencer Strider will start for the Braves, looking to improve his record. The team has a good number of quality starts this season, ranking fifth in the league. With a strong lineup and capable pitching, the Braves have the tools needed to secure another win.
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs recently played against the Colorado Rockies and lost 6-5. Despite the loss, Ian Happ hit a home run and drove in three runs. Kyle Tucker had a solid performance with three hits, including a double, and Michael Busch scored twice.
The Cubs have a strong lineup that ranks 4th in slugging percentage in the league. They have hit 186 home runs this season, placing them 7th in the league. Their ability to hit for power can be a key factor in securing a win.
Colin Rea will be starting for the Cubs, bringing a 10-6 record and a 4.23 ERA. His consistent performance on the mound gives the Cubs a good chance against the Braves. With Rea’s experience and the Cubs’ powerful lineup, they have the tools to win this game.
The Lean
The Cubs are favored to win with a moneyline of -123 against the Braves at +105. The Cubs have a stronger slugging percentage and rank higher in home runs and doubles. My model projects the Cubs to win with a score of 5-4, making them the pick for the moneyline.
The total for the game is set at 8.0, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Both teams have solid hitting stats, but the Cubs’ pitching ranks higher in ERA and quality starts. My model projects a total score of 9, so the recommendation is to take the over.
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Cubs Welcome Braves to Wrigley Field
On Labor Day afternoon, the Chicago Cubs will host the Atlanta Braves to open a three-game set at Wrigley Field.
The spotlight is on Atlanta’s hard-throwing right-hander Spencer Strider, who despite losing all four of his starts in August, enters with renewed confidence after his best outing of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Cubs are looking to strengthen their wild card lead and chase down the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
Want full betting breakdowns? Check the latest MLB odds and previews before first pitch.
Pitching Matchup: Strider vs Rea
Spencer Strider (ATL)
- Record: 5-12
- ERA: 4.95
- Last Start: 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H vs Marlins (Aug. 25)
Though Strider posted a 10.13 ERA in August, his most recent start showed encouraging signs. He struck out hitters with improved fastball command and generated more swings and misses. Manager Brian Snitker called it “a lot better” than previous outings.
Strider, who missed most of 2024 after elbow surgery, is still working back to form. He has never faced the Cubs in his career.
Colin Rea (CHC)
- Record: 10-6
- ERA: 4.23
- Last Start: 4.2 IP, 7 R vs Giants (Aug. 27)
Rea struggled in San Francisco, allowing seven runs, but his overall season remains steady. Against Atlanta, he’s been solid historically (2-0, 3.60 ERA across five starts).
Probable Starters
| Pitcher | Team | Record | ERA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Strider | Braves | 5-12 | 4.95 | Best start of year last outing |
| Colin Rea | Cubs | 10-6 | 4.23 | 2-0 career vs Braves (3.60 ERA) |
Looking for expert picks? See projections in the MLB betting guide.
Braves’ Perspective: Strider’s Road Back
The Braves (68-70) enter the series searching for consistency. Strider, once the league’s strikeout king, is still fine-tuning his mechanics after last season’s elbow surgery.
He recently worked with a biomechanics lab in Atlanta to improve vertical fastball movement, hoping to turn near-misses into fouls rather than base hits.
“If I can’t throw my fastball in the strike zone, that’s a problem,” Strider admitted. The Braves are banking on his progress to help stabilize their rotation down the stretch.
Cubs’ Perspective: Wild Card in Focus
The Cubs (78-59) dropped their series finale in Colorado but finished their nine-game road trip at 5-4. They currently lead the NL Wild Card race, though they remain 6.5 games behind the Brewers for first place in the NL Central.
Ian Happ summed up the team’s mindset:
“We have a lead in the wild card and we want to go after the division. You have to take it one day at a time.”
The Cubs will rely on Rea’s veteran presence, hoping he can bounce back from a rough outing in San Francisco.
Cubs at a Glance
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Record | 78-59 |
| NL Central Standing | 2nd (6.5 GB of Brewers) |
| Wild Card Standing | 1st place |
| Last 10 Games | 5-5 |
Final Thoughts
Strider’s struggles make this matchup unpredictable, but his last start suggests progress. If he maintains command, Atlanta could surprise on the road. The Cubs, however, have the edge in form, lineup balance, and playoff urgency.
Expect a competitive series opener at Wrigley, where every game carries October implications.
Looking to bet on this game? Get today’s MLB picks and expert predictions.
FAQs
Who is starting for Atlanta?
Spencer Strider, coming off a seven-inning, one-run outing vs Miami.
Who is starting for Chicago?
Colin Rea, who is 10-6 with a 4.23 ERA this season.
Has Strider ever faced the Cubs?
No, this will be his first career start against Chicago.
How are the Cubs performing in the NL Central?
They’re 6.5 games behind the Brewers but lead the Wild Card race.
What’s Strider working on mechanically?
Improving vertical fastball movement to induce more foul balls.
Where can I read more team previews?
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