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San Francisco Giants vs Chicago Cubs August 26th 2025
The Chicago Cubs will visit the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 9:45 PM. The Cubs come into this game with a strong 76-55 record, currently sitting second in the NL Central. They are on a three-game winning streak and have won eight of their last ten games.
The Giants, with a record of 63-68, are fourth in the NL West. They have won their last two games but have struggled in their previous ten, going 4-6. The game will feature Matthew Boyd starting for the Cubs, who holds a 2.61 ERA, while Justin Verlander will take the mound for the Giants with a 4.64 ERA.
Cubs vs Giants Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants
- Venue: Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Betting Odds: Cubs Moneyline -138, Giants Moneyline +117, Cubs Runline -1.5 (+127), Giants Runline +1.5 (-152), Total Over 7.5 (-116), Total Under 7.5 (-104)
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs head into their next game with momentum from a recent win over the Los Angeles Angels. They secured a 4-3 victory, thanks to solid performances from key players. Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner each contributed with two hits, while Jameson Taillon pitched five innings, allowing just one run.
The Cubs have been strong offensively this season, ranking 5th in slugging percentage at .428. They also have 178 home runs, placing them 7th in the league. Their ability to hit for power could be a deciding factor in the upcoming game.
On the mound, Matthew Boyd will start for the Cubs. He has been reliable with a 2.61 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. With Boyd’s strong pitching and the Cubs’ powerful lineup, they have a good chance of winning their next game.
The Giants Can Win If…
The San Francisco Giants are coming off a close 4-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers. Luis Matos had a strong performance, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. Robbie Ray pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs, which helped secure the victory.
The Giants have a solid team ERA of 3.75, ranking 6th in the league. Their pitching staff has given up the fewest home runs this season with 114. This strong pitching can be a key factor in their upcoming game against the Chicago Cubs.
Rafael Devers leads the Giants with 25 home runs and 83 RBIs. His consistent hitting can spark the Giants’ offense. With Justin Verlander starting, the Giants aim to leverage their pitching depth and strong hitters to win the game.
The Lean
The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -138. Given their strong hitting stats, including a .249 batting average and .428 slugging percentage, they have an edge over the Giants. The model projects the Cubs to win with a score of 5-3, making them a solid pick to win straight up.
The total for the game is set at 7.5. Both teams have solid pitching, with the Cubs’ ERA at 3.77 and the Giants’ at 3.75. The model projects a total score of 8, so taking the over at 7.5 (-116) is recommended
Future Odds Shifting?
See Updated MLB Futures
Spoiler Role Reverses
Once in position to aid the Chicago Cubs’ division title efforts, the San Francisco Giants are now shifting into spoiler mode—keeping their playoff aspirations alive by winning two of their last three against the Brewers. Their stay in the hunt is tenuous; they’re still 6½ games back of the final three NL Wild Card spots. Meanwhile, the Cubs have closed the gap on the NL Central lead held by the Brewers to just five games. The stage is set for an electric three-game set in California.
Pitching Matchup: Boyd and Verlander Face Off
On the mound for Chicago is veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd (12–6, 2.61 ERA), who makes his first career appearance at Oracle Park—his 30th major league ballpark. Both he and the Cubs enter riding recent momentum, having won six of seven games during their 9-game western road swing. Cubs manager Craig Counsell highlighted Kyle Tucker’s five-hit performance—including a three-home-run game—as a key spark ahead of the matchup.
The Giants counter with Justin Verlander (1–10, 4.64 ERA), who intriguingly has never lost to Chicago in his 20-year career. Verlander is chasing another milestone—just one strikeout away from earning his 100th this season, which would tap him into a rare group of pitchers with 17 seasons of 100+ strikeouts, tying the legendary Warren Spahn. Verlander recently etched more history by becoming the 10th pitcher to reach 3,500 career strikeouts, firmly reinforcing his Hall of Fame upward trajectory.
Giants’ Road Form Offering Hope
The Giants have struggled at home, losing 15 of their last 17 games at Oracle Park, despite showing improved road form with nine wins in their last 15 away. Returning from their series win in Milwaukee, Giants shortstop Willy Adames emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum: “We got the win and the series victory… we’re going back home with a happy flight, and hopefully we can continue the momentum now at home.”
Comparative Table: Boyd vs. Verlander
| Pitcher | Team | Season Record | ERA | Career vs. Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Boyd | Chicago Cubs | 12–6 | 2.61 | 0 career starts at Oracle Park |
| Justin Verlander | San Francisco Giants | 1–10 | 4.64 | Never lost to Cubs in 20 years |
What’s at Stake
For the Giants, this series could be their lifeline. A win would keep alive their slim postseason window. For the Cubs, extending their already impressive road form could put added pressure on the Brewers and strengthen their position in the Wild Card race.
As the season nears conclusion, every start, swing, and stop matters. For betting lines, predictions, and props, check out the MLB Expert Betting Guide. And for updated matchups and odds, head to MLB Scores & Odds.
