2025-08-24 Cubs at Angels Matchup Preview

Starting Pitching Matchup

Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Chicago Cubs, facing off against Kyle Hendricks of the Los Angeles Angels. Taillon brings a diverse repertoire to the game, relying on movement and location to keep hitters off balance. Hendricks, known for his pinpoint control and ability to generate soft contact, will attempt to navigate a Cubs lineup eager to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Cubs' Offensive Outlook

The Chicago Cubs' offense enters this game as a formidable unit, demonstrating a strong ability to get on base and drive in runs. With a collective age of 29, the Cubs' hitters bring a mix of experience and youthful exuberance to the plate. Their performance this season showcases their capability to compete against a variety of pitching styles. The Cubs’ offensive ability is supported by their walk percentage, indicating a patient approach at the plate, and their strikeout percentage, reflecting solid contact skills. These attributes are crucial as they face Hendricks, who thrives on inducing weak contact.

Specifically, look for the Cubs to focus on working deep counts against Hendricks, attempting to elevate his pitch count and exploit any potential fatigue as the game progresses. They'll need to be disciplined in their approach, laying off pitches outside the strike zone and capitalizing on hittable offerings. The Cubs’ ability to avoid strikeouts will be paramount in putting runners on base and creating scoring chances.

Angels' Offensive Outlook

The Los Angeles Angels' offense, also with an average age of 29, looks to counter Taillon's pitching prowess. The Angels will need to utilize their speed on the basepaths to disrupt Taillon's rhythm and create scoring opportunities. The team's slugging percentage has them hitting with decent power. The Angels will need to generate a high percentage of hard-hit balls and put pressure on the Cubs' defense.

The Angels’ offensive strategy will likely involve trying to attack Taillon early in the count, looking for fastballs they can drive. Patience will be key. They need to stay aggressive while avoiding chasing pitches that lead to easy outs. Their ability to hit with power and drive the ball into the gaps will be essential in scoring runs against Taillon.

Pitching and Hitting Matchup Analysis

The key to this game lies in the effectiveness of the starting pitchers and how well each offense can execute its game plan. For the Cubs, Taillon must rely on his ability to mix pitches and keep the Angels guessing. His success will depend on his command within the strike zone and his ability to avoid giving up easy home runs. Hendricks, for the Angels, needs to locate his pitches and utilize the outside corner of the plate to induce weak contact and ground ball outs.

The Cubs' offense will attempt to leverage their patience and contact skills to wear down Hendricks. Their ability to extend at-bats and put runners on base will be crucial in generating scoring opportunities. The Angels' offense, on the other hand, will look to exploit any mistakes Taillon makes, focusing on driving the ball with power and utilizing their speed to put pressure on the Cubs' defense. The contrasting styles of the starting pitchers and the strategic approaches of each offense promise an intriguing matchup. Ultimately, the team that can best execute its game plan and capitalize on scoring opportunities will emerge victorious.

Bullpen Considerations

The bullpens could play a crucial role in the later innings. Both teams will need their relievers to be sharp and ready to protect any lead or keep the game within reach. The effectiveness of each bullpen's ability to strand runners and prevent big innings will be critical in determining the outcome of the game.

Cubs 5 Angels 4