Houston Astros vs Chicago Cubs June 29th 2025

The Chicago Cubs will visit the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The game is set to start at 2:10 PM, and it will be aired on SCHN. The weather forecast for Houston suggests a very hot day with a light breeze, and some light rain may occur.

Both teams hold a 49-34 record this season. Jameson Taillon will pitch for the Cubs, bringing a 4.47 ERA and a 7-5 record. The Astros will counter with Framber Valdez, who has a 2.88 ERA and an 8-4 record. The retractable roof at Daikin Park may be useful given the weather forecast.

Cubs vs Astros Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros
• Venue: Daikin Park in Houston, TX
• Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
• Betting Odds: Cubs MoneyLine +129, Astros MoneyLine -153

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs enter their next game with momentum after a commanding 12-3 win against the Houston Astros. In that game, Kyle Tucker led the way with four hits, including a home run, and three RBIs. Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch also contributed with home runs, showcasing the Cubs’ powerful offense.

The Cubs’ batting stats this season are impressive, with a team slugging percentage of .448, ranking 2nd in the league. They have hit 124 home runs, also placing them 2nd. This power at the plate gives them a strong chance to outscore opponents.

Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs, bringing a 7-5 record and a WHIP of 1.10. Despite facing a strong Astros lineup, the Cubs’ recent offensive performances and Taillon’s steady pitching can lead them to another victory. With players like Suzuki and Tucker in form, the Cubs have the tools to win this game.

The Astros Can Win If…

The Houston Astros are looking to bounce back after a tough 12-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Despite the loss, Cam Smith and Isaac Paredes had strong performances with home runs. Framber Valdez, with an ERA of 2.88, will be on the mound, offering a solid chance for a win.

The Astros have a strong batting lineup, with a team batting average of .255, ranking 4th in the league. Jeremy Peña leads the team with a .322 average and 48 runs. Isaac Paredes adds power with 17 home runs, providing key offensive support.

Houston’s pitching staff is also a strength, with a team ERA of 3.52, ranked 6th. Their ability to strike out batters is unmatched, leading the league with 812 strikeouts. With Framber Valdez starting, they have a good chance to control the game and secure a win.

The Lean

The Astros are the favorite with a moneyline of -153. The Cubs are the underdog with a moneyline of +129. Based on the team stats, the Astros have a stronger pitching staff with a 3.52 ERA and rank 6th in the league. The Cubs have a higher batting average, but the Astros’ pitching should give them the edge. The model projects the Astros to win 5-3.

The over/under line is set at 7.5 runs. The Astros have a strong pitching staff, and the Cubs’ batting ranks lower in slugging percentage. This suggests a lower-scoring game. The model projects a total of 8 runs, slightly above the line. The recommendation is to take the over at 7.5.

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Fresh Bullpen Gives Cubs Confidence in Rubber Match vs. Astros’ Ace

The Chicago Cubs believe their biggest advantage in Sunday’s rubber match against the Houston Astros won’t be who starts on the mound, but who is available to finish. Thanks to a selfless outing from a veteran reliever, the Chicago Cubs have a fully rested bullpen as they look to win their series against the host Houston Astros.

The Unsung Hero

The key to the Cubs’ strategy was set up in Friday’s loss. After falling behind early, veteran right-hander Chris Flexen came in and pitched four scoreless innings of long relief. That effort, while in a losing cause, saved the rest of Chicago’s high-leverage relievers, keeping them fresh for the rest of the weekend.

“In your bullpen, the guys are connected to each other,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “Chris made somebody else more effective (for the next games)… There’s no statistic for that… He made our team better.”

A Duel of Opposite Momentum

Sunday’s pitching matchup features two starters on completely different trajectories. The Astros will send their ace, lefty Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.88 ERA), to the mound. Valdez is on an incredible hot streak, going unbeaten in his last nine starts with a 1.89 ERA, and the Astros have won all nine of those games.

The Cubs will counter with veteran Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.47 ERA), who is in a deep slump. He has lost his last two starts and has a sky-high 14.63 ERA in those outings. This clear mismatch on paper will be a major focus on the scores and odds board.

Houston’s Own Pitching Questions

While Valdez is dominant, the Astros are dealing with their own rotation issues. Veteran Lance McCullers Jr. was shelled in his recent return from the injured list, highlighting the team’s lack of proven depth behind their top two starters. Pitching depth is a critical factor for all contending MLB teams, a topic often discussed in our expert betting guide.

The Decider

The game presents a classic strategic dilemma. The Astros have the far better starting pitcher on the mound, but the Cubs have a fully stocked and rested bullpen ready to take over at the first sign of trouble for their struggling starter. To see which strategy our experts think will prevail, check out our daily MLB picks.