The Major League Baseball season hits a fever pitch this weekend as the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers clash at Dodger Stadium. As of Saturday, April 25, 2026, both iconic franchises enter this pivotal matchup with identical 17–9 records, vying for supremacy in the National League. While the Dodgers are looking to defend their home turf and bounce back from a series-opening loss, the Cubs are riding a wave of historic momentum, carrying a 10-game winning streak into the heart of Los Angeles.

Game Day Essentials: Dodgers vs Cubs on April 25, 2026

For fans looking to catch the action today, here are the critical details for the second game of this high-stakes three-game series:

  • Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
  • First Pitch: 7:15 p.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. PT
  • Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
  • Broadcast: National coverage is available on FOX.

This matchup serves as a tiebreaker for the best record in the National League, adding a post-season atmosphere to a late April contest. The Cubs currently hold the psychological advantage after a dramatic 6–4 victory on Friday night, but the Dodgers are countering with one of the most anticipated pitching starts of the young season.

Pitching Duel: Roki Sasaki vs Colin Rea

The headline of Saturday’s contest is undoubtedly the appearance of Roki Sasaki on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since his transition to the American major leagues, Sasaki has been a statistical anomaly. In our scouting observations this season, his four-seam fastball has consistently sat at 101-102 mph, paired with a devastating splitter that generates a whiff rate north of 45%. Facing a red-hot Cubs lineup will be the ultimate litmus test for the young phenom.

Opposing him is the veteran stability of Colin Rea. While Rea does not possess the overwhelming velocity of Sasaki, his success in 2026 has been built on elite command and a revamped sweeper that has stifled right-handed hitters. Rea enters the game with a 3.10 ERA, relying on the Cubs' top-tier defense to convert balls in play into outs. The contrast between Sasaki’s "power" approach and Rea’s "finesse" strategy presents a fascinating tactical battle for baseball purists.

Analysis of the Cubs 10-Game Winning Streak

The Chicago Cubs' surge to a 10-game winning streak is the talk of the baseball world. This run has not been a fluke of scheduling; it has included series sweeps against divisional rivals and a relentless offensive display.

The Dansby Swanson Factor

The momentum reached a crescendo during Friday night’s series opener. In that game, the Cubs trailed 4–0 against Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan, who was dominant early with 10 strikeouts. However, the Cubs' resilience was on full display in the late innings. Dansby Swanson, batting in the ninth spot, delivered a masterclass in situational hitting. After tripling in the seventh to spark a comeback, Swanson launched a go-ahead, two-run home run in the ninth inning off Dodgers’ reliever Tanner Scott.

Swanson’s performance—four RBIs from the bottom of the order—highlights the depth of this Cubs roster. When the stars at the top of the lineup like Seiya Suzuki or Alex Bregman are held in check, the "depth pieces" have consistently stepped up during this 10-game stretch.

Defensive Excellence

Beyond the hitting, the Cubs have stabilized their bullpen. Ryan Rolison and Corbin Martin provided three scoreless innings in relief on Friday, a trend that has defined their winning streak. The ability of the Chicago relief corps to bridge the gap to the ninth inning has alleviated pressure on the starting rotation, allowing manager Craig Counsell to play a matchup-based game that has left opponents frustrated.

Dodgers Home Stand Resilience and Offensive Powerhouse

Despite the loss on Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers remains the most feared lineup in professional baseball. The trio of Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts continues to set the standard for offensive production.

Shohei Ohtani’s Impact

While Ohtani struggled in the first game of this series, striking out three times, his 2026 campaign has otherwise been spectacular. Following his historic 2024 season where he neared the 50/50 club, Ohtani has refined his approach at the plate. In recent weeks, his exit velocity has averaged 112 mph on home runs, and he remains a constant threat on the basepaths. The Cubs' pitching staff will likely employ a "pitch-around" strategy, but with Freeman looming in the on-deck circle, there are no easy outs in this lineup.

The Role of Will Smith and Hyeseong Kim

The Dodgers’ early lead on Friday came courtesy of Will Smith’s three-run homer and an RBI single from Hyeseong Kim. Kim’s integration into the Dodgers’ infield has been seamless, providing elite defensive range and a high-contact bat that complements the power hitters. For the Dodgers to even the series on Saturday, they will need more than just the "Big Three" to produce; they need the middle of the order to capitalize on the runners Ohtani and Betts inevitably put on base.

What is the historical context of the Dodgers vs Cubs rivalry?

The rivalry between these two franchises is steeped in postseason drama and historic milestones. To understand the intensity of the 2026 series, one must look back at the defining moments of the last decade.

The 2017 National League Championship Series

The most significant modern meeting occurred during the 2017 NLCS. The Dodgers, led by Justin Turner and Chris Taylor, defeated the defending champion Cubs in five games. This series was a turning point for Los Angeles, marking their first World Series appearance in 29 years. The imagery of Justin Turner’s walk-off home run in Game 2 remains a staple of Dodger Stadium lore. For the Cubs, that series marked the end of their immediate post-2016 championship peak, leading to the rebuilding years that have finally culminated in the competitive squad we see today.

The Ohtani Era Begins (2024)

In September 2024, the two teams met in a series that felt like a playoff preview. Shohei Ohtani was in the midst of his MVP-caliber chase, hitting his 47th home run and 48th stolen base against the Cubs at Dodger Stadium. The Cubs actually won that season series 4–2, proving that even against a "super-team," Chicago’s grit could prevail. Those 2024 matchups established the template for the current Cubs strategy: exploit the Dodgers' bullpen and maintain high-pressure baserunning.

Tactical Breakdown: Managerial Chess Match

A significant portion of this series' outcome rests on the shoulders of two of the game's best managers: Dave Roberts and Craig Counsell.

Dave Roberts and the Bullpen Management

Roberts has faced criticism following Friday’s collapse. The "erratic trio" of Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, and Tanner Scott surrendered six unanswered runs. For Saturday’s game, Roberts must decide how to deploy his high-leverage arms if Sasaki leaves with a lead. With the 2026 season still in its first month, managing workloads is a priority, but stopping the Cubs' 10-game win streak is a psychological necessity for a team with championship aspirations.

Craig Counsell’s Analytical Edge

Counsell, nearing his 900th managerial victory, has transformed the Cubs into an analytical juggernaut. His decision to move Swanson to the ninth spot in the order on Friday was a stroke of genius, lengthening the lineup and creating a "second leadoff" situation for the top of the order. Counsell’s ability to manage a bullpen by "feel" and data has been the primary driver behind the current winning streak.

How to watch Dodgers vs Cubs tonight?

For fans wanting to follow every pitch of the Saturday night showdown:

  • Television: FOX will broadcast the game nationally. Local blackouts may apply depending on your region, but the "Game of the Week" status ensures wide availability.
  • Radio: Fans in Los Angeles can tune in to AM 570 LA Sports, while Chicago listeners can find the broadcast on 670 The Score.
  • Streaming: The game is available via the FOX Sports app for authenticated cable subscribers. MLB.TV will also carry the game, though local blackout restrictions will be in effect.

Impact on the National League Standings

As of late April, the National League is surprisingly top-heavy. The Dodgers and Cubs at 17–9 represent the gold standard of the Senior Circuit. A series win for the Cubs would not only extend their streak but also provide a tiebreaker advantage that could prove crucial come September. For the Dodgers, a win on Saturday would stop the bleeding and reaffirm their status as the kings of the NL West, especially with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks hovering just a few games back.

Key Stats to Watch for Saturday’s Matchup

  1. Sasaki’s Strikeout Rate: Can he maintain his 12.5 K/9 against a Cubs team that has significantly reduced its swing-and-miss percentage during this streak?
  2. Cubs’ Road Offense: In 2024, the Cubs famously hit better on the road than at Wrigley Field. This trend seems to have returned in 2026, as they’ve averaged 6.2 runs per game on this current road trip.
  3. Late-Inning Scoring: The Dodgers have a +24 run differential in innings 1–6 but a -5 differential in innings 7–9. This suggests a vulnerability that the Cubs are perfectly equipped to exploit.

Dodger Stadium: The Ultimate Baseball Atmosphere

Attending a Dodgers vs Cubs game at the "Ravine" is a bucket-list experience. The stadium, which has seen several upgrades leading into 2026, remains a cathedral of the sport. On a Saturday night, the crowd of over 50,000 creates an electric environment. The "Cubs North" fans—Chicago transplants living in Southern California—always show up in blue, creating a vocal battle in the stands that mirrors the one on the field.

The weather forecast for Saturday evening in Los Angeles is a perfect 72 degrees at first pitch, with a light breeze blowing out toward right-center field. These conditions historically favor power hitters like Ohtani and Swanson, though the marine layer that often settles in after 8:00 p.m. can turn home run balls into long fly outs.

Conclusion and Series Outlook

The Saturday matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs is more than just a game; it is a collision of two distinct philosophies. On one side, the Dodgers represent the pinnacle of star power and pitching innovation, headlined by Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani. On the other, the Chicago Cubs embody the "team-first" mentality, fueled by a 10-game winning streak and the tactical brilliance of Craig Counsell.

While the Cubs look to make it 11 in a row, the Dodgers are desperate to prove that the road to the National League pennant still runs through Los Angeles. Regardless of the outcome, this series has already proven that the rivalry between the "Boys in Blue" and the "North Siders" is as vibrant and competitive as ever.

Summary of Today's Matchup

  • The Streak: Chicago Cubs are seeking an 11th consecutive win.
  • The Debut: Roki Sasaki takes the mound for the Dodgers in a high-pressure environment.
  • The Stakes: A battle for the best record in the National League (both currently 17–9).
  • The Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA.
  • The Time: 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX.

FAQ: Dodgers vs Cubs Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Dodgers vs Cubs game yesterday?

The Chicago Cubs won the series opener on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a score of 6–4. Dansby Swanson hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to secure the victory.

What are the current records for the Dodgers and Cubs?

As of Saturday, April 25, 2026, both teams hold a record of 17 wins and 9 losses.

Who is pitching for the Dodgers today?

The Dodgers have scheduled Roki Sasaki to start on Saturday night. He is one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball, known for his triple-digit fastball.

Where can I watch the Dodgers vs Cubs game?

Tonight's game will be broadcast nationally on FOX. You can also stream it via the FOX Sports app or listen on local radio stations in Chicago (670 The Score) and Los Angeles (AM 570).

How many games in a row have the Cubs won?

The Cubs are currently on a 10-game winning streak, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.

When is the final game of this series?

The three-game series concludes on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a game scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.