The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs meet Sunday night at Wrigley Field in the rubber match of a competitive three-game set, with both teams eager to grab momentum as the calendar prepares to turn to May. Philadelphia, sitting at 14–13, bounced back after a rough stretch to split the first two games of the series, and they will send Aaron Nola to the mound, desperately seeking a return to form after an 0–5 start with a bloated 6.43 ERA. Nola, once one of the Phillies’ most reliable arms, has struggled with command and home-run prevention, and Sunday’s nationally televised start offers an opportunity for redemption against a potent Cubs lineup. Chicago, boasting a strong 17–11 record and one of the National League’s most dynamic offenses, will counter with veteran Jameson Taillon, who enters with a 1–1 record and a 4.73 ERA, providing steady innings for a team that has thrived by scoring early and often at home. Offensively, the Cubs have been anchored by Nico Hoerner, batting .324 and consistently setting the table for power threats like Kyle Tucker, who has already launched seven home runs while driving in 21 runs, making him one of the Cubs’ most dangerous bats. The Phillies counter with their own firepower, as Nick Castellanos continues to swing a hot bat at .319, while Kyle Schwarber, a former Cubs fan favorite, brings his home-run pop and familiarity with Wrigley’s dimensions into the heart of Philadelphia’s order.

Recent trends suggest a tightly contested battle: the Cubs have been impressive at home, posting a 7–6 ATS record in their last 13 games at Wrigley, and more importantly, they are 8–2 straight up following a loss this season, indicating a strong ability to bounce back after setbacks. The Phillies, on the other hand, have struggled on the road, with a 5–9 ATS record away from Citizens Bank Park, although recent signs of life offensively give them reasons for optimism. Defensively, both clubs have been sound, but Philadelphia’s bullpen has been more vulnerable, often placing additional pressure on their starters to work deeper into games. For the Cubs, the game plan will likely focus on applying early pressure to Nola, forcing him into high-stress innings, and handing a lead to their bullpen, which has been more effective at home. For the Phillies, it will be critical for Nola to set the tone early, avoid the big inning, and give his offense a chance to build a lead against Taillon before the back end of the Cubs’ bullpen tightens the screws. With both teams featuring capable lineups and starting pitchers looking to prove something, Sunday’s matchup promises to be a spirited, high-energy contest at one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks, where the smallest mistake—or the biggest swing—could very well determine who leaves Wrigley Field victorious.