The New York Yankees entered Friday night’s showdown against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium riding a wave of momentum, having swept the Seattle Mariners in a dominant series that saw them outscore their opponents 25-14 over three games. The Yankees, who had been struggling earlier in the season, looked like the powerhouse team fans have come to expect, stringing together four consecutive wins and aiming to extend that streak against a formidable Cubs squad.
Managed by Craig Counsell in his second year at the helm, the Chicago Cubs came into the Bronx atop the National League Central division, boasting an MLB-best +124 run differential. Despite their strong position, the Cubs have had their struggles on the road, making this series a critical test of their resilience and depth. The game was scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. ET start and broadcast on YES Network, with fans also able to catch the action via free trials of DirecTV and fuboTV.
A key storyline for the evening was the presence of Cody Bellinger, the former Cubs outfielder who was traded to the Yankees during the offseason. Bellinger was red-hot, riding a 15-game hitting streak that had boosted his batting average from .261 to .280. In July alone, he was batting an impressive .368, and .391 over the entire streak. His history with the Cubs added an intriguing subplot to the matchup—he spent two seasons in Chicago, hitting .307 in 2023 and earning a Silver Slugger award. After signing a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs, Bellinger quietly requested a trade to New York, a move that made sense given his father Clay’s history as a Yankees utility infielder and two-time World Series champion. Bellinger also brought strong career numbers against his former team, holding a .291 batting average and a 1.022 OPS against the Cubs from his time with the Dodgers.
On the mound, the pitching matchup featured veteran Chris Flexen for the Cubs and Carlos Rodón for the Yankees. Flexen, who had transitioned to a bullpen role this season after many years as a starter, was having a stellar year with a 5-0 record and a microscopic 0.83 ERA over 17 appearances. Known for limiting hard contact and backed by an elite Cubs defense, Flexen had been a key factor in Chicago’s success. His low batting average on balls in play (.189) underscored his effectiveness in keeping hitters off balance.
Rodón, meanwhile, was looking to bounce back after a tough outing against the Mets where he allowed seven runs (six earned) in five innings. The three-time All-Star had a 3.30 ERA on the season and a respectable 3.44 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs. This year, he had been incorporating his changeup and sinker more frequently, hoping to keep the Cubs’ potent lineup—which ranked tied for second in MLB with a 118 wRC+—off balance.
The Cubs’ offense was a force to be reckoned with. Led by Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki, all of whom were enjoying hot streaks, Chicago ranked among the league’s best in runs scored, walks, and home runs. Seiya Suzuki, in particular, was leading the majors in RBIs, while Michael Busch boasted a .934 OPS at first base. The depth of the Cubs’ lineup meant that even if one star cooled off, others were ready to step up.
For the Yankees, the offense was equally impressive. Aaron Judge continued to dominate, hitting .359 with a staggering 1.202 OPS, leading all players in the league. Supporting him were Jazz Chisholm and Cody Bellinger, both red-hot at the plate, along with Austin Wells, who had crushed three home runs in the week leading up to the game. The Yankees led MLB in walks and home runs and ranked third in overall scoring, making them one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball.
Paul Goldschmidt emerged as an X-factor for the Cubs. At 37, his power numbers had declined, with only eight home runs on the season, but he was batting an impressive .370 in July. Goldschmidt’s familiarity with the National League and his strong career numbers against the Cubs (.296 average, 32 home runs, .938 OPS) made him a potential game-changer if he was in the lineup for the bullpen game.
The betting landscape reflected the tight contest expected. The Yankees were favored at -1.5 with odds of -185, and the over/under was set at 9.5 runs. While some analysts leaned toward the Yankees due to Rodón’s pitching and the team’s recent surge, others saw value in the Cubs moneyline at +160, pointing to their explosive offense and Flexen’s dominant bullpen performances.
Historically, Chris Flexen’s 2021 season with the Seattle Mariners was memorable—his starts led to a 22-9 record for the team, making him one of the most profitable pitchers to bet on that year. His ability to limit damage and work deep into games was a key asset for the Cubs as they looked to maintain their division lead.
The Yankees’ Carlos Rodón was also named a replacement pitcher for the American League All-Star roster, stepping in for teammate Max Fried, who was scheduled to start Saturday’s game against Chicago. Rodón’s All-Star selection marked his third appearance in five seasons, underscoring his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers despite his occasional bouts of inconsistency.
As the game unfolded, fans witnessed a classic battle between two talented teams with contrasting styles—Chicago’s deep, powerful lineup and dominant bullpen against New York’s balanced offense and veteran starting pitching. Cody Bellinger’s quest to extend his hitting streak against his former team added drama, while the pitching duel between Flexen and Rodón promised to be a pivotal factor in the outcome.
With both teams boasting elite offenses and key players on hot streaks, the matchup was poised to be a thrilling contest. The Yankees’ recent resurgence suggested they could continue their winning ways, but the Cubs’ firepower and bullpen strength ensured the game would be fiercely competitive.
Ultimately, the Yankees edged the Cubs 6-4 in a hard-fought contest, with Bellinger extending his hitting streak and Rodón delivering a solid performance to counter Flexen’s brilliance. The victory extended New York’s winning streak to five games, providing momentum as they approached the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Cubs remained atop the NL Central, ready to regroup and challenge again in the coming weeks.
This game was a vivid reminder of why baseball in July is so captivating—hot streaks, strategic pitching matchups, and high stakes as teams jockey for position before the midseason pause. For the Yankees, the win was a return to form, while the Cubs showed that even on the road, they could push back against one of the league’s best.
