Cubs host Phillies on June 9, 2025, aiming to rebound from a tough loss. Can Seiya Suzuki's power and Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic pace lead them to victory?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Let's just rip the bandage off: Sunday's 4-0 shutout loss to the Tigers was a tough pill to swallow. But the beauty of baseball is that redemption is always just a day away. The Cubs (40-24) are back at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field tonight, ready to wash away the bad taste of that series finale and kick off a new series against the formidable Philadelphia Phillies. With a top-tier offense firing on all cylinders, it's the perfect opportunity to prove that Sunday was a blip, not a trend.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is just the third player in MLB history to rack up 25+ homers, 100+ RBIs, and 50+ stolen bases in his first 200 career games, joining Mike Trout and Mitchell Page.
There's no sugarcoating it, Sunday was ugly. Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty was dealing, fanning nine Cubs over six scoreless innings. But the story of the game was arguably the questionable umpiring, which led to heated moments and ejections that still have the fanbase buzzing. It felt like a game that got away, not just because of the pitching, but because of circumstances outside the team's control. That kind of loss can sting, but it can also serve as powerful motivation as the team returns home.
If the Cubs are looking for an offensive spark, they need look no further than Seiya Suzuki. He's coming into the Phillies series absolutely scorching hot, fresh off a two-homer performance in Saturday's 6-1 victory. Suzuki's power is emblematic of this entire Cubs lineup, which currently ranks fifth in MLB in home runs and an incredible second in team batting average. Even after being shut out, this offense is a monster, and Suzuki is leading the way.
While the day-to-day grind is important, let's take a moment to appreciate the history being made right before our eyes. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong recently played his 200th MLB game, and his stat line is simply breathtaking: 27 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases. To put that in perspective, only two other players in the entire history of Major League Baseball have hit the 25/100/50 mark that quickly: some guy named Mike Trout and 1970s standout Mitchell Page. That's the kind of company PCA is keeping. He's not just a future star; he's a star right now.
Tonight's game is no cakewalk. The Phillies are a tough opponent, and oddsmakers have this one as a near toss-up, giving Philly a slight 52% to 48% edge. However, the experts are predicting a high-scoring 5-4 Cubs win, with the run total expected to sail over 7.5. This has all the makings of a classic Wrigley Field slugfest. After being silenced on Sunday, expect the bats to come out loud and proud against a fellow contender.
The success of players like PCA isn't an accident; it's the product of a phenomenal farm system. The Cubs currently boast seven players on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, tied for the most in baseball. With six of those being position players, the pipeline of talent is overflowing. This incredible depth not only means more help is on the way but also gives the front office immense flexibility as the trade deadline approaches. The Cubs are built to win now and for years to come.
The loss in Detroit is officially in the past. Tonight marks a new series and a new opportunity for this talented Cubs team. With Seiya Suzuki swinging a hot bat, Pete Crow-Armstrong making history, and a showdown with the Phillies on deck, all eyes turn to Wrigley Field. This homestand promises to be a crucial test, but this team has proven it has the talent, the depth, and the resilience to rise to the occasion.
