The Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field on Friday to open a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners, aiming to continue what has been one of their most encouraging seasons in recent memory. With a 37–22 record entering the game, the Cubs have surged near the top of the National League standings on the strength of a balanced roster, sharp managing from Craig Counsell, and a home-field advantage that has reemerged as a true weapon. Chicago’s success has been driven largely by its ability to win close games, supported by strong defense, improved bullpen performance, and just enough timely hitting to stay ahead in low-scoring battles. They’ll hand the ball to veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd, who has delivered steady innings across the early months of the season and enters this start with a 3.71 ERA and solid strikeout-to-walk metrics. Boyd has been particularly reliable at Wrigley, where his pitch sequencing and ability to induce weak contact have kept powerful lineups from producing big innings. The Cubs offense isn’t built on massive power numbers but instead focuses on grinding out at-bats, putting balls in play, and running the bases aggressively to pressure opposing defenses. Pete Crow-Armstrong has quickly emerged as one of the team’s top contributors, showcasing speed, power, and defensive instincts that have solidified center field. Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner are vital pieces as well, consistently delivering in two-strike counts and creating extended innings for middle-of-the-order hitters like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson.

This lineup rarely goes down quietly and is one of the more disciplined units when it comes to chasing pitches outside the strike zone, which could test George Kirby’s pinpoint control. In the bullpen, Chicago has seen encouraging progress with Adbert Alzolay reestablishing himself as a dependable late-inning option and Yency Almonte emerging as a versatile piece capable of handling high-leverage spots. The Cubs have trended heavily toward the under in recent weeks, playing to the conditions of their ballpark and embracing a strategy that emphasizes run prevention over slugfests. At home, they have an excellent record when scoring first and a dominant mark when leading after five innings, a testament to their pitching staff’s ability to hold slim leads. Counsell’s calm in the dugout and sharp use of matchup data have paid off repeatedly, especially in close games where managerial decisions often dictate the outcome. Against a Mariners team known for its deep pitching and streaky offense, the Cubs’ recipe for success will be early offense, patient at-bats against George Kirby, and limiting damage from Seattle’s power bats like Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez. If Boyd can give them five to six efficient innings and the Cubs can scratch out three to four runs, they are well-positioned to win behind a bullpen that has been one of the best in the league over the past month. With Wrigley’s conditions expected to favor pitchers, the Cubs’ ability to execute situational hitting and protect late leads gives them a slight edge in what figures to be a tight, playoff-caliber contest.