The St. Louis Cardinals enter their matchup against the Chicago Cubs on September 26, 2025, at Wrigley Field with a sense of urgency and the determination to close out their season strong despite the ups and downs that have defined their campaign, and as the away team in one of the sport’s most hostile and tradition-rich environments, they know execution and discipline will be paramount if they are to walk away with a victory. Offensively, the Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance this season, with players like Nolan Gorman emerging as a consistent power threat, while Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson have provided versatility and on-base ability, allowing the lineup to function even when the stars aren’t fully locked in. Paul Goldschmidt, though no longer in his peak form, remains a vital presence in the lineup, offering veteran leadership and the ability to grind out at-bats in pressure situations, something that could prove critical against Chicago’s pitching staff that thrives on disrupting rhythm. The Cardinals’ offensive challenge will be capitalizing on runners in scoring position, an area that has plagued them with missed opportunities throughout the season, and in a ballpark like Wrigley, where conditions can change at any moment, they will need to be opportunistic and aggressive to maximize every scoring chance.

On the pitching side, the Cardinals have leaned heavily on their rotation leaders Zac Gallen and Miles Mikolas, but the back end of the rotation has been inconsistent, creating undue strain on a bullpen that has struggled in tight games, often giving up leads late and frustrating fans and coaches alike. If their starter can provide length in this game and keep the Cubs’ lineup off balance through varied pitch sequences, it will go a long way toward preserving the bullpen for late-game situations where the pressure will be immense. Defensively, St. Louis remains a team built on fundamentals, with infielders who can turn double plays efficiently and outfielders who cover plenty of ground, but lapses in execution have cost them dearly this season, and against a rival like the Cubs, there is no room for unforced errors. The road atmosphere also poses challenges, as Wrigley Field’s crowd is one of the loudest and most engaged in baseball, creating an environment where momentum can shift quickly with one big hit, one defensive mistake, or one managerial misstep. To counteract this, the Cardinals must establish tempo early, ideally scoring first to take some pressure off their pitchers while limiting the Cubs’ opportunities to build confidence with their home crowd behind them. Ultimately, the Cardinals’ path to success on the road lies in a blend of timely hitting from their versatile lineup, steadier bullpen performance, and defensive sharpness, all while embracing the intensity of the rivalry and using it to fuel their focus rather than overwhelm them. A win in this game would not only provide a boost in the standings but also serve as a statement of resilience in what has been a season of highs and lows, reaffirming their ability to compete against a divisional rival in one of the sport’s most iconic venues.