The Chicago Cubs, coming off an exhilarating weekend in Cincinnati, are set to face off against the struggling Colorado Rockies in a three-game series starting Monday at Wrigley Field. The Cubs, leading the National League Central with a 32-21 record, are aiming to build on their momentum after a dramatic series where they staged two comebacks to secure two victories, including a thrilling 11-8 win on Sunday.
As they enter Memorial Day—often seen as a pivotal point for evaluating team standings—the Cubs hold a two-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. Their offensive prowess has been evident, with the Cubs leading all MLB teams with 321 runs scored, reflecting one of their strongest starts in recent franchise history.
In stark contrast, the Rockies come into the series struggling significantly, with a dismal 9-44 record, the worst start in modern MLB history. Their performance has been disappointing, allowing the most runs in the league and ranking second lowest in runs scored. They enter this series having achieved just three wins on the road this season, and their odds of turnaround appear unfavorable.
In Monday’s matchup, the Rockies will pitch Carson Palmquist (0-2, 11.88 ERA) against Cubs starter Jameson Taillon (3-3, 4.13 ERA). Despite the Cubs’ clear edge on paper, baseball often surprises, and the Rockies will be looking to upset expectations.
Key players to watch are Cubs’ Kyle Tucker, leading with 12 home runs and a .279 batting average, and Seiya Suzuki, who has shown recent offensive strength. For the Rockies, Jordan Beck leads with eight home runs, but the team’s overall struggle makes any substantial improvement seem challenging.
Injuries could also impact both teams, with significant player absences on each side, which might affect their strategies and performance going forward.
This matchup marks the first time these teams meet this season, setting the stage for what Cubs fans hope will be a successful homestand. With their current form, the Cubs are expected to perform strongly, but as always in baseball, the unexpected can happen. This series offers an opportunity for the Cubs to deepen their lead in the division while the Rockies search for signs of life in their faltering season.