Cubs Seek Redemption After Series Opener Loss to Cardinals

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Chicago Cubs suffered a tough loss against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 24, 2025, giving up multiple two-run homers that led to a decisive defeat in the series opener.

The home team hit four two-run shots, contributing immensely to the Cubs’ downfall. Despite this setback, the Cubs are looking for rotation help and hope that activating players from the injured list will provide a much-needed boost.

In recent games, the Cubs’ pitching staff has performed well, achieving five consecutive wins while allowing only seven runs over 33 innings. However, one pitcher struggled in his last outing, giving up five earned runs in just four innings, marking his first loss in over a month.

That pitcher has faced challenges against the Cardinals in the past, holding a .312 batting average against him, along with five home runs allowed in 128 at-bats. The Cubs know they must improve to avoid more losses.

As they prepare for game two, changes in the lineup include players like Happ, Tucker, and PCA, who are expected to capitalize on the pitching strategies of the Cardinals.

Starting for St. Louis will be 24-year-old right-handed pitcher Tink Hence. The young pitcher, drafted 18th overall by the Cardinals in 2021, has steadily worked his way up through the minors and has made a few appearances this season.

Hence typically operates in the low 90s with his fastball and utilizes a variety of other pitches. Although he has seen success against right-handed hitters, left-handed batters have had better results against him early in his career. This could present an opportunity for Cubs hitters to capitalize.

As summer heat influences games, the Cubs will look to play smarter baseball and push their offense to manufacture runs, especially with home runs proving hard to come by lately. The first pitch of game two is scheduled for 6:45 PM CT and will be broadcast live on the Marquee Sports Network.