The Chicago Cubs are back at it this Sunday, looking to clinch the series against the Texas Rangers at 1:35 CT. After a tough loss on Saturday, the Cubs are determined to bounce back and keep their hot streak alive. They've been stacking wins all season, winning eight of their last 12 series, and they're no strangers to high-stakes rubber games—holding a 3-3 record in those decisive matchups, including 2-2 on the road.
Speaking of special days, Mother's Day hasn't always been kind to the Cubs. Since the holiday became official in 1914, they're 54-72-2, a .430 winning percentage that's just above their lowest mark on Easter (.429). For context, they shine brightest on the Fourth of July (.564) and Opening Day (.540). But don't let the history fool you—this team is on a tear. Despite Saturday's stumble, the Cubs are 20-4 since April 14, the best record in MLB over that stretch. Even the Braves and Rays, at 17-6, can't keep up.
Today's game also carries a bit of nostalgia. On this date in 1981, Hector Cruz hit a dramatic two-out, game-tying homer in the ninth against the Braves. The game stretched 14 innings before rain washed it out, and a strike later canceled the makeup. Let's hope today's action is more decisive.
On the mound, Jameson Taillon gets the start. His numbers are solid—a 4.24 ERA and 1.192 WHIP—but home runs have been his Achilles' heel. He's allowed 11 dingers in 40.1 innings, though that's not even the league's worst (Zack Littell has surrendered 13 in 32.1 innings). The key for Jamo: keep the ball in the yard. If he can do that, the Cubs have every chance to leave Texas with a series win.