Analyzing The Cubs' Performance: Game 25 (2025)

4 min read Post on May 13, 2025

Analyzing The Cubs' Performance: Game 25 (2025)

Pitching Performance: A Breakdown of the Cubs' Starting and Relief Pitching

The Cubs' pitching performance in Game 25 was a mixed bag, showcasing both brilliance and vulnerability.

Starting Pitcher Analysis: Justin Steele's Dominant Display

Justin Steele took the mound for the Cubs, and he delivered a truly masterful performance. His final line: 7 innings pitched, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 9 strikeouts, and only 2 walks.

Exceptional Command: Steele's command of his fastball and changeup was exceptional, keeping the Cardinals hitters off-balance throughout his outing. His ability to locate pitches on the corners was a key factor in his success.
Strategic Pitch Sequencing: Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy employed a smart strategy, utilizing Steele's changeup effectively to set up his devastating fastball. This kept the Cardinals guessing and resulted in numerous strikeouts.
Comparison to Previous Performances: This outing marked a significant improvement over Steele's previous start, where he struggled with command and gave up a higher number of runs.

Relief Pitching Effectiveness: A Rocky Finish

While Steele delivered a stellar performance, the bullpen's performance was less impressive. Following Steele's departure, the relief corps faltered in the 8th inning, surrendering two runs.

High-Leverage Situation Struggles: The relievers seemed to struggle in high-pressure situations, allowing key hits at critical moments.
Individual Reliever Performance: While Adbert Alzolay pitched a scoreless inning, Michael Fulmer struggled, allowing a double and a walk which contributed to the two runs.
Bullpen Management: Manager David Ross might consider adjusting his bullpen strategy in future games, potentially relying on more experienced relievers in high-leverage situations.

Offensive Output: Examining the Cubs' Batting Performance in Game 25

The Cubs' offense showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately struggled to consistently generate runs against the Cardinals' pitching staff.

Key Offensive Contributors: Dansby Swanson's Power Surge

Dansby Swanson provided a significant offensive spark, hitting a two-run home run in the 5th inning. His power surge was critical in keeping the Cubs in the game.

Individual Batting Stats: Swanson's home run highlighted his ability to contribute clutch hits when needed. His overall batting average for the game was .250, but his two RBIs proved invaluable.
Other Key Contributors: Ian Happ also had a solid game, contributing a double and scoring a run. His on-base percentage was key in setting the table for other batters.
Strategic Impact: Swanson's home run injected life into the Cubs lineup and momentarily shifted the momentum in their favor.

Offensive Strategy and Effectiveness: A Need for More Patience

The Cubs' offensive strategy seemed to lean towards an aggressive approach at the plate, which, while resulting in some early success, ultimately proved ineffective against the Cardinals' pitching.

Aggressive Approach: The Cubs swung at a lot of pitches outside of the strike zone, resulting in many strikeouts.
Batting Order Ineffectiveness: The bottom of the batting order struggled to generate consistent hits, resulting in a number of unproductive innings.
Analysis of Hitting Against Specific Pitchers: The Cubs need to adjust their approach against certain Cardinals pitchers based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Defensive Plays and Errors: Analyzing the Cubs' Fielding Performance

The Cubs' defense, for the most part, was solid, but a few crucial errors contributed to the Cardinals' scoring chances.

Defensive Highlights and Lowlights: A Mixed Bag

While there were several impressive defensive plays, including a diving stop by Nico Hoerner, there were also costly errors that gave the Cardinals extra opportunities.

Spectacular Plays: Hoerner's diving stop helped prevent a potential run. A great throw from centerfielder Cody Bellinger cut down a runner attempting to steal.
Costly Errors: A throwing error by first baseman Patrick Wisdom led to an unearned run.

Impact of Defensive Performance on Game Outcome: Errors Costly Runs

The errors made by the Cubs' defense directly contributed to at least one run scored by the Cardinals, negatively impacting the game's outcome. This cost them the chance to capitalize on strong performances by Steele and Swanson.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for the Cubs in Game 25

The Cubs' performance in Game 25 was a mixed bag. While Justin Steele delivered a dominant pitching performance, the bullpen faltered, and the offense lacked consistent production. Defensive errors also played a role in the final score. The game highlights the need for improved consistency from the bullpen and a more patient approach at the plate. Despite Swanson's clutch performance, the Cubs ultimately fell short against the Cardinals. The overall outcome underscores the importance of a cohesive and consistent performance across all aspects of the game.

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