Cubs seek series closure against Twins as Imanaga aims for stability
Shōta Imanaga looks to maintain recent form while Zebby Matthews makes his first full-year start for Minnesota
The Chicago Cubs prepare to host the Minnesota Twins for the decisive third game of their series at Wrigley Field on Sunday, 19 July 2026, with a 1:20 CT start time. Chicago aims to secure the series victory after splitting the opening two contests, a scenario that has occurred in 15 of their 32 series this season. The team holds a 15-14-2 record in series play prior to this matchup and has won the last two series they have played.
Historical data suggests challenges for the home side, as the Cubs are 7-7 in third games of split series. More specifically, Chicago has lost the only two previous rubber matches played at Wrigley Field, falling to the Washington Nationals on 29 March and the San Francisco Giants on 7 June. Conversely, the Cubs have won both home rubber games following a win-loss sequence, including victories against the Angels and the Rockies earlier in the season.
Pitching matchup dynamics will centre on Shōta Imanaga for Chicago, who is expected to start after a mid-season slump. Imanaga’s season has been characterised by three distinct phases: a strong start with a 2.32 ERA over nine games, a difficult four-start period where he posted a 10.80 ERA, and recent stability with a 2.81 ERA over his last six outings. He previously held the Twins to five hits and two runs in six innings during a July 2025 appearance at Target Field.
For the Twins, Zebby Matthews makes his first full-year start in the rotation. Matthews has struggled in his last two outings, allowing eight runs in 10.2 innings, including six walks and three home runs. A notable factor for the Cubs is that Matthews has never faced the Cubs or any player currently on their active roster, presenting an unfamiliar challenge for the Chicago lineup.
The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network. The broadcast coincides with a historical anniversary, marking 40 years since the Cubs defeated the Giants 11-6 at Wrigley Field on 19 July 1986, a game featuring four home runs from Shawon Dunston, Gary Matthews, Dave Martinez, and Ryne Sandberg.
