CHICAGO (Interstat) — The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs will open their final series of the season under vastly different circumstances Friday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs (89-69), clinging to playoff hopes, host the Cardinals (78-81), who were eliminated from contention earlier this week. First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with cloudy skies and a temperature of 73 degrees forecast.

Chicago enters the three-game set having split its last six contests, including a 10-3 rout of the New York Mets on Wednesday. Michael Busch homered in that victory.

St. Louis arrives after a 4-3 loss in San Francisco on Wednesday, despite a quality start from Sonny Gray. The Cardinals have lost four of their last six.

The longtime rivals have split their 10 meetings this season, with the home team winning seven. Their most recent series in August saw St. Louis take two of three at Busch Stadium.

Veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas (8-10, 4.82 ERA) is the probable starter for the Cardinals. The Cubs had not announced a starting pitcher at the time of publication.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Cardinals are projected for a narrow 6-5 victory. Following this series, both teams will conclude their 2025 campaigns on Sunday.