The Miami Marlins head to Chicago's North Side on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for a 7:40 PM ET regular season matchup against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Ryan Gusto gets the ball for Miami opposite Chicago's Kevin Gausman in what shapes up as a classic pitchers' duel setting — ivy-covered walls, late-September air, and two starters who will define the outcome. With the regular season winding down, every game in the standings matters, and the Marlins need to take care of business on the road.
Starting Pitchers: Ryan Gusto vs. Kevin Gausman
Ryan Gusto draws the assignment for Miami. The young right-hander carries the weight of a road start at one of baseball's most storied venues, and how he handles the moment will be the central storyline of the night. Gusto's ability to work through a Cubs lineup in a charged Wrigley environment will tell us plenty about where this team stands heading into the final stretch of 2026.
On the other side, Kevin Gausman is the assignment that makes this road trip legitimately tough. Gausman is a seasoned veteran who commands multiple pitches and punishes hitters who don't make a plan at the plate. The Marlins' offense will need to be disciplined and patient — hunting counts, working deep into at-bats, and avoiding the strikeout carousel that Gausman can spin up in a hurry.
Keys to Watch for the Marlins
- Gusto's command early: Road starts at Wrigley can unravel fast if a starter falls behind hitters. Gusto needs to establish the zone in the first two innings and keep the Cubs' lineup from feasting on mistake pitches.
- Plate discipline against Gausman: Miami cannot afford to chase. Gausman works the edges and expands the zone as the game progresses. The Marlins must make him throw strikes and grind out quality at-bats.
- Bullpen depth: Late September means rosters are expanded and arms are available, but how the Marlins manage their relief corps — especially if Gusto runs into trouble — will directly impact the outcome.
- Base running and small ball: Against a pitcher of Gausman's caliber, manufacturing runs rather than waiting for the three-run homer is the smarter play. Stolen bases, hit-and-runs, and situational hitting need to be part of Miami's approach.
Broadcast Information
Miami fans can catch the game on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. Spanish-language radio coverage is available on TUDN, WPPN 106.7, and WAQI 710. Chicago-side viewers can tune into Marquee Sports Network, with radio on 104.3 The Score.
Prediction
This is a tough spot. Wrigley Field in late September, a veteran like Gausman on the mound, and the Marlins asking a young starter to match him pitch for pitch — the degree of difficulty is real. That said, Ryan Gusto has shown he belongs, and if Miami can squeeze across two or three runs against Gausman through disciplined at-bats and smart baserunning, this game is winnable. The bullpen will be the difference-maker late. Marlins take a competitive game but fall just short, 3-2, in what should be an engaging September night at Wrigley.
