All eyes are on Oracle Park this Thursday afternoon as the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants wrap up their three-game set, with both teams sending their aces—Shota Imanaga for the Cubs and Logan Webb for the Giants—to the mound. The stakes? For the Cubs, it’s about holding onto that precious first wildcard spot and keeping division dreams alive. For the Giants, it’s about salvaging a rocky second half and sparking hope for a late-season surge.
The Cubs come into the contest with a 76-56 record, sitting 5.5 games out of the division but firmly in the driver’s seat for the National League’s top wildcard slot. Their recent nine-game road swing has been a test of endurance, but Chicago started strong by taking a series from the Angels, outscoring them 19-6. Their road record stands at a respectable 35-31, but consistency away from Wrigley has been a lingering question. Can they keep the momentum rolling in the Bay?
Shota Imanaga, the Cubs’ left-handed sensation, gets the nod on Thursday. He’s been nothing short of electric in August, posting a 2.33 ERA and keeping hitters off balance with a devastating mix of pitches. On the season, Imanaga boasts a 3.03 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and an 8-6 record over 110 innings. His dominance hasn’t always translated into wins, though; despite his sharp outings, the Cubs have only taken two of his last five starts. Against the Giants, Imanaga has allowed three runs in six career innings—a small sample, but one that suggests he’ll be tested by San Francisco’s lineup.
Imanaga’s career numbers are impressive for a pitcher still settling into MLB: a 23-9 record, 2.96 ERA, and 0.989 WHIP over 283 innings, with 264 strikeouts. He’s stingy with walks and even stingier with hits, surrendering just 231 base knocks in those frames. If there’s a weakness, it’s the Cubs’ offense sometimes going cold behind him—a trend they’ll hope to buck in this finale.
On offense, the Cubs have been potent, ranking sixth in MLB with an average of 4.92 runs per game (650 total runs). Their .249 team batting average and .427 slugging percentage show a lineup that can do damage in bursts. Kyle Tucker, despite a .601 OPS in August, remains a power threat with 21 homers and 69 RBIs on the season. He’s found his swing again after a brief benching, and his recent .262 average is trending up. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the team with 28 home runs, ranking 13th in MLB, while Seiya Suzuki has been the Cubs’ RBI machine with 87 on the year—he’s also knocked in two against the Giants this season and is riding a three-game hitting streak. Nico Hoerner, with a .288 average and 50 RBIs (six in August), continues to set the table from the top of the order. Ian Happ has contributed 16 home runs but has only one RBI in his last 10 games, signaling a need for a breakout.
Chicago’s pitching staff has been a pillar of strength, posting a 3.77 ERA (seventh in baseball) and a 1.20 WHIP. The bullpen, with a 70% save rate (35 saves, 15 blown), has been reliable in high-leverage spots, converting 88 holds (fifth in MLB). Their fielding has also been sharp, converting 71.7% of balls in play into outs (third in MLB) and maintaining a .989 fielding percentage.
The Giants, meanwhile, have endured a turbulent second half. Their 64-68 record and 31-33 home mark reflect a team searching for answers. They’ve dropped five straight home series, though they did manage to claim a series win in Milwaukee, thanks largely to their pitching. The Giants opened this set with a win over Chicago, giving them a 3-1 edge in the season series heading into Thursday.
San Francisco’s offense has sputtered at times, averaging just 4.05 runs per game (25th in MLB) and hitting 130 home runs. Rafael Devers leads the club with 25 long balls and 84 RBIs, while Heliot Ramos has quietly put together a solid campaign with 15 homers, 56 RBIs, and a .632 OPS in August. Jung Hoo Lee has provided speed and gap power, racking up 29 doubles, 10 triples, and a .259 average. Willy Adames, batting .223, has 22 home runs and 65 RBIs, providing occasional pop from the middle infield. Matt Chapman, with a .695 OPS against the Cubs and 46 RBIs overall, remains a threat in the lineup, though consistency has been elusive.
Logan Webb, the Giants’ ace, draws the assignment for the finale. Webb’s recent form has been superb—he’s allowed zero or one run in four of his last five starts and sports a 3.13 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a 12-9 record in 166.2 innings this season. Over his career, Webb holds a 67-51 record with a 3.38 ERA and 1.192 WHIP over 1,021 innings, striking out 950 batters. Against the Cubs, he’s logged a 4.05 ERA and a 2-1 record in 26.2 innings. In his last 25.1 innings, Webb has surrendered just six runs and one home run—numbers that underscore his ability to shut down even potent offenses.
The Giants’ pitching staff as a whole has been a bright spot, posting a 3.72 ERA (fifth in MLB) and a 1.285 WHIP. Their bullpen, however, has been less reliable, converting just 63.3% of save opportunities (31 saves, 18 blown) and surrendering leads in key moments. The defense, with a .984 fielding percentage and 104 double plays, has struggled at times, ranking 25th in MLB in that category.
Recent form for both clubs adds intrigue. The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10, riding a wave of confidence into this crucial matchup. The Giants, at 5-5 over their last 10, are hoping to turn the corner at just the right time. The moneyline has the Cubs favored at -160, with the Giants at +132—a nod to Chicago’s stronger record and overall consistency, but perhaps underestimating the home-field factor and Webb’s recent dominance.
Thursday’s clash is shaping up to be a classic pitcher’s duel, with both teams looking to their aces to set the tone. For the Cubs, it’s another chance to solidify their playoff credentials and keep pressure on the division leaders. For the Giants, it’s about pride, momentum, and maybe—just maybe—starting a run that could change the complexion of their season.
With Imanaga and Webb toeing the rubber, fans can expect a tight, low-scoring affair, but as both teams have shown, there’s always the potential for fireworks. The outcome hangs in the balance, and with so much on the line, every pitch will matter. Stay tuned—this one’s far from over.
