The Chicago Cubs welcome the St. Louis Cardinals to Wrigley Field on Sunday, August 16, for a 3:15 PM ET first pitch that carries real divisional weight. Edward Cabrera gets the ball for the Cubs, squaring off against Cardinals right-hander Hunter Dobbins. Any time these two franchises meet — the oldest rivalry in the National League — the stakes feel elevated, and a Sunday afternoon clash at Clark and Addison only adds to that. Cubs fans catching this one can tune into ABC/ESPN App on television or 104.3 The Score on the radio.
Probable Pitchers: Edward Cabrera vs. Hunter Dobbins
Edward Cabrera draws the assignment for Chicago. The right-hander has shown the kind of electric stuff that can dominate a lineup when he's commanding his pitches. The key for Cabrera on Sunday will be consistency through the lineup — keeping the Cardinals off-balance with his mix and limiting traffic on the bases.
St. Louis counters with Hunter Dobbins, a name Cubs hitters will need to be ready to solve. Without a lengthy track record against this Cubs lineup, Dobbins represents a degree of uncertainty — and in baseball, uncertainty cuts both ways. Chicago's offense will want to get a read on him early and make him work deep into counts.
Keys to Watch in Cubs vs. Cardinals
- Cabrera's command: When Cabrera is throwing strikes and staying ahead in counts, he's a handful for any offense. Sunday's outing will hinge on whether he can establish that rhythm early against a Cardinals lineup capable of making pitchers pay for mistakes.
- Cubs offense against an unknown: Facing a pitcher without a deep scouting file in their heads can actually benefit a disciplined lineup. Chicago needs patient at-bats early to get a feel for Dobbins before pressing.
- The bullpen bridge: Depending on how deep either starter goes, the middle innings could define this one. Both clubs will want their starters to eat innings and leave the bullpen fresh for later in the week.
- Wrigley Field factors: An August afternoon at Wrigley means wind and weather can be a factor. Check the flags — if the wind is blowing out to center on a summer Sunday, run totals can climb in a hurry.
NL Central Implications
Cubs-Cardinals games don't need extra billing. These two franchises have been beating on each other for well over a century, and every series between them carries divisional consequence regardless of the standings. A Sunday win at Wrigley in front of a full house is exactly the kind of momentum-builder a team wants heading into the back half of August.
Broadcast Information
- TV: ABC/ESPN App
- Radio (Chicago): 104.3 The Score
- Radio (St. Louis): KMOX 1120 AM / 104.1 FM
- Spanish-language radio: TUDN / WPPN 106.7
Prediction
Cabrera has the upside to control this game if his stuff is sharp. The Cubs offense, playing at home in front of the Wrigley faithful, should be able to generate enough against an unfamiliar arm in Dobbins. This feels like a game Chicago can take. Cubs 4, Cardinals 2.
