The Chicago Cubs (81–63) wrap up their series with the Atlanta Braves (65–79) at Truist Park, looking to take tonight’s rubber game and make it two in a row to close out their road trip.

Chicago sits six games back in the NL Central after the Texas Rangers completed a three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon. With just 17 games left, the Cubs need a late push to stay in the division race.

Still, as long as they keep winning, a postseason berth looks secure. They hold an eight-game cushion over the surging San Francisco Giants, who sit just outside the Wild Card picture. In fact, the top Wild Card spot may be the more realistic target for Chicago.

Last night, Cade Horton continued his late-season dominance, holding Atlanta to one run over 6.1 innings. Horton is now 5–1 with a 1.24 ERA over his last seven starts, allowing only four hits across his past two outings.

Tonight’s pitching matchup favors Atlanta. Chris Sale (5–4, 2.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Braves. The 36-year-old has been sharp since returning from the IL, giving up just two runs in 12.2 innings over two starts. Before that stint on the shelf, Sale posted a 3–1 record with a 0.95 ERA over seven games.

Jameson Taillon (9–6, 4.15 ERA) gets the start for the Cubs. While not as dominant as in 2024, Taillon was effective after returning from the IL in August, allowing just two runs across 11 innings in two starts.

He returned to the IL in late August but was reactivated ahead of tonight’s game. For Chicago, the key will be not just a strong start but also Taillon’s ability to show durability heading into October.

Prediction

The Braves have the edge tonight with Sale simply dominating and Chicago’s lineup missing Kyle Tucker.

Prediction: Braves 5, Braves 3

Starting Lineups

Chicago Cubs

1. Nico Hoerner — 2B

2. Ian Happ — LF

3. Seiya Suzuki — RF

4. Carson Kelly — C

5. Carlos Santana — 1B

6. Dansby Swanson — SS

7. Justin Turner — DH

8. Matt Shaw — 3B

9. Pete Crow‑Armstrong — CF

Starting Pitcher: Jameson Taillon (RHP) — 9–6, 4.15 ERA

Atlanta Braves

1. Jurickson Profar – LF

2. Matt Olson – 1B

3. Ronald Acuña Jr. – RF

4. Drake Baldwin – C

5. Ha‑Seong Kim – SS

6. Ozzie Albies – 2B

7. Michael Harris II – CF

8. Marcell Ozuna – RF

9. Nacho Álvarez Jr. – 3B

Starting Pitcher: Chris Sale (LHP) — 5–4, 2.38 ERA

How to Watch Cubs vs. Braves

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves is set for 7:15 PM Eastern / 6:15 PM Central at Truist Park in Atlanta.

The game airs live on Marquee Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network South, and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Out-of-market viewers can stream the game live on MLB.TV.

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

First Pitch: 7:15 PM Eastern / 6:15 PM Central

Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: Marquee Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast

Streaming: MLB.TV