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**Cubs and Cardinals Renew Rivalry After Long Wait: Four-Game Series Looms Large in NL Central Race**

ST. LOUIS, MO – After an unusual hiatus, the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals are finally set to reignite their storied rivalry in a crucial four-game series at Busch Stadium. This marks the first meeting between the two teams in the 2025 season, a fact lamented by fans on both sides who decry the current MLB schedule.

“It feels like it’s been an eternity,” said one Cubs fan, echoing the sentiments of many. “This rivalry is what baseball is all about.”

The Cardinals, who currently sit 4.5 games behind the Cubs in a tightly contested NL Central, enter the series on a high note, having gone 5-1 in the past week. The Cubs, however, are looking to rebound after a tough end to their recent homestand.

St. Louis will trot out a pitching rotation of Matthew Liberatore, Erick Fedde, Andre Pallante and Sonny Gray, with Gray, the team’s ace, taking the mound on Thursday. The Cardinals’ defense has been a strength, leading the league in Outs Above Average. Offensively, they’ll need to overcome the loss of Ivan Herrera, though Willson Contreras has found his stride at the plate, while Brendan Donovan has been their most consistent hitter.

The Cubs will counter with Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, Shōta Imanaga and potentially Matthew Boyd.

This series carries extra weight due to the tight NL Central standings. Each game is expected to be a hard-fought battle with every pitch potentially a game changer.

Adding to the drama, the remaining 13 games between the two teams will take place this season, including the final three games at Wrigley Field. This four-game set will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network.

**Series Schedule:**

* **Monday:** Ben Brown vs. Matthew Liberatore, 6:45 p.m. CT
* **Tuesday:** Jameson Taillon vs. Erick Fedde, 6:45 p.m. CT
* **Wednesday:** TBD (likely Shōta Imanaga) vs. Andre Pallante (unconfirmed), 6:45 p.m. CT
* **Thursday:** TBD (likely Matthew Boyd) vs. Sonny Gray (unconfirmed), 1:15 p.m. CT

After the series, the Cubs will travel to Houston for a three-game series against the Astros.

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