Full Breakdown
Cubs Seek to Extend Nine-Game Streak at Dodger Stadium
4/25/2026, 1:53:45 PM
Cubs Arrive on a Nine-Game Winning Streak
The Chicago Cubs travel to Dodger Stadium on Friday, April 24, 2026, carrying a nine-game winning streak—the longest for the club since its 2016 World Series season. The streak has lifted the Cubs to a 16-9 record, tying them for first place in the NL Central with the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers, meanwhile, sit at 17-8, tied for the NL West lead with the San Diego Padres.
Season Performance and Statistical Edge
Clubs have run differentials—Cubs +43, Dodgers +55. Cubs have averaged seven runs per game in last 11 contests, scoring at least seven runs in eight of them and hitting double digits three times. Their lineup leads the majors in on-base percentage and ranks third in batting average and OPS. Dodgers top league in OPS and batting average, though in last six games they have recorded two three-run outings, one single-run game and a shutout. Dodgers aim to rebound after a three-game stretch vs. the Giants that yielded four runs.
Key Pitchers and Lineup Matchups
Chicago starts Jameson Taillon, who has allowed six homers in 22.2 innings; opponents hit .260 against him, and Kyle Tucker has one HR in ten at-bats. Dodgers counter with Emmet Sheehan, making his start after Tommy John surgery. Cubs count on Michael Busch, who hits .423 and went 4-for-10 with two homers in his last two games; Busch is .317 at Dodger Stadium (19/60). Alex Bregman, who hit .389 in Phillies series and has homered twice off Taillon, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is batting .323 with two doubles and a triple during the streak. Dodgers’ lineup features Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández, with two HRs off Taillon.
Bullpen Health and Injury Landscape
Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz is out after elbow surgery, leaving seven relievers on IL; arms are Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and Blake Treinen. Cubs have six relievers on IL, with closer Daniel Palencia, left-hander Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) and arms Jacob Webb, Hoby Milner, Riley Martin, Corbin Martin, Ben Brown and Javier Assad.
Official Comments and Critiques
Craig Counsell says Shohei Ohtani’s roster spot gives Dodgers an unfair advantage.
Impact on Division Races
Forecast Dodgers to capture two of three games, citing a healthier bullpen despite Cubs’ advantage in starting pitching.
Verbatim Quote
> “Keep the ball in the yard tonight please.” — JohnW53, Contributor, BCB via sports.yahoo.com
What's Next
Game 1 begins at 7:15 p.m. PT on Apple TV, with Wayne Randazzo, Dontrelle Willis and Heidi Watney. Two more games follow on Saturday and Sunday, offering each club chances to impact division standings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Source 3 lists Imanaga as Cubs starter and Sasaki for Dodgers, while Source 4 names Jameson Taillon for Chicago and Emmet Sheehan for Los Angeles, showing rotation discrepancies.
