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Phillies Face Tough Test vs. Red-Hot Cubs at Wrigley
The Philadelphia Phillies roll into Chicago looking to hit the reset button after a rough stretch. They’ve lost four straight and 10 of their last 16, and the timing couldn’t be worse—they’re about to face the hottest offense in baseball, the Chicago Cubs.
Philadelphia’s latest heartbreaker was a 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Mets on Wednesday. The Phils are still holding onto a top-10 team batting average and OPS, but they’ve fallen short in clutch moments—especially with the bases loaded, hitting just .154 in those spots.
“We just got to win. It takes care of everything,” said Bryce Harper, summing up the team’s mindset.
Want to track daily stats and offensive trends? Check out the MLB Team Page.
Taijuan Walker to Start Opener for Philly
Veteran Taijuan Walker (1-1, 2.29 ERA) will start the series opener. In his last outing against Miami, he was cruising before being pulled after just four innings and 56 pitches due to shoulder stiffness.
Still, he allowed just one run and four hits, and the Phillies managed to squeak out an 11-10 win.
Manager Rob Thomson later explained the short leash, prioritizing Walker’s health early in the season. The right-hander owns a 2-2 record with a 3.38 ERA in seven appearances against the Cubs.
Check Walker’s prop bets and real-time updates on the MLB Pick Page.
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Cubs Offense on Fire, Powered by Crow-Armstrong
The Cubs enter the weekend with 163 runs scored, most in Major League Baseball. They just wrapped up a sweep of the Dodgers, putting up 18 runs across two games. Few hitters are hotter than Pete Crow-Armstrong, who’s been electric both at the plate and in center field.
He went 6-for-9 with two homers, three runs scored, and seven RBIs against LA, earning praise from teammates and fans alike.
“He’s probably the best [defensive center fielder] I’ve seen,” said Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd. “And what he’s doing at the plate is no surprise.”
Want betting odds and game previews for Cubs games? Visit the MLB Odds Page.
Colin Rea Set to Start for Chicago
The Cubs will counter with Colin Rea (0-0, 1.32 ERA), a reliable arm who’s transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation. He allowed just one run in 4.2 innings during Chicago’s wild 13-11 win over the Diamondbacks last week.
Rea has made six career appearances against Philadelphia and is 0-2 with a 2.89 ERA, including one save. He’s been sharp this season, and if Chicago’s offense stays hot, he’ll have plenty of run support.
Explore more stats on Rea’s pitching history against the Phillies on the MLB Expert Betting Guide.
FAQs About Phillies vs Cubs Series
Why are the Phillies struggling lately?
They’ve dropped 10 of their last 16, struggling particularly in high-leverage situations like bases-loaded at-bats.
What’s Pete Crow-Armstrong’s impact on the Cubs?
He’s been a two-way star—dominant in center field and producing big numbers at the plate during Chicago’s surge.
Who are the starting pitchers for Friday?
Taijuan Walker (Phillies) vs. Colin Rea (Cubs). Both pitchers bring solid ERAs but contrasting team momentum.
How is Bryce Harper performing?
Harper remains a vocal leader and steady presence, urging the team to push through the slump with urgency and focus.
Where can I get Cubs vs Phillies betting predictions?
Head to the MLB Pick Page for updated odds, betting lines, and game analysis.
Is Chicago’s offense really the best in MLB?
Yes—through Thursday, they led all of baseball with 163 runs scored, powered by multiple hot bats.
