Cubs Ride Five-Game Winning Streak into Next Challenge with Dansby Swanson’s Bold Confidence

The Chicago Cubs are on fire, riding a five-game winning streak as of April 5, 2025, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. With a blend of stellar pitching, timely hitting, and standout defensive plays, the Cubs have kicked off the 2025 season with a bang, sitting at 5-0 after a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night. Shortstop Dansby Swanson, a cornerstone of the team, has been at the heart of this early success, and he’s already looking ahead to tomorrow’s matchup with a confident seven-word statement: “We’re ready to keep the streak alive.” As the Cubs aim for six wins in a row, Swanson’s words signal a team brimming with momentum and determination.

A Hot Start to 2025

The Cubs’ five-game winning streak is no fluke—it’s a testament to their offseason preparation and the talent assembled by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. After a disappointing 83-79 finish in 2024 that left them out of the playoffs, Chicago retooled with key additions like outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Ryan Pressly, complementing a core featuring Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, and ace Shota Imanaga. The result? A team averaging nine runs per game while holding opponents to just 2.2 runs, a formula that’s propelled them to the top of the NL Central early in the season.

Saturday’s win in Phoenix encapsulated their resilience. Tucker smashed his first Cubs home run, rookie Matt Shaw went deep, and Imanaga dazzled over seven innings, allowing just one run. But it was Swanson’s game-saving defensive play in the ninth—faking a throw to first before tagging out a sliding Garrett Hampson at third—that sealed the deal. The Cubs have now taken two of three from the Diamondbacks, setting the stage for tomorrow’s series finale where they’ll look to make it six straight.

Dansby Swanson: The Heart of the Cubs

Swanson, now in his third year with Chicago after signing a seven-year, $177 million deal in 2022, has emerged as more than just a Gold Glove shortstop—he’s the emotional leader of this squad. His 2024 season was marred by injuries, including a knee sprain and a core muscle issue requiring offseason surgery, limiting him to a .243 average and 16 home runs. But a fully healthy Swanson in 2025 is proving why the Cubs invested in him. Through five games, he’s hitting .296 with a home run and a knack for clutch moments, like his ninth-inning heroics against Arizona.

His seven-word statement—“We’re ready to keep the streak alive”—delivered postgame on April 5, 2025, isn’t just bravado. It’s a rallying cry from a veteran who’s tasted World Series glory with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and knows what it takes to sustain success. Swanson’s confidence reflects a clubhouse belief that this hot start isn’t a fluke but the beginning of something special.

Tomorrow’s Test: Can the Cubs Make It Six?

The Cubs’ next opponent is the Diamondbacks again, with first pitch scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 6, at Chase Field. Left-hander Matthew Boyd, making his Cubs debut, will face off against Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez. Boyd, signed in the offseason to bolster the rotation, brings a 3.89 ERA from his 2024 stint with the Cleveland Guardians, while Rodriguez, a veteran with a 4.03 ERA last year, aims to cool Chicago’s bats.

Arizona won’t go down quietly. Despite dropping two straight, they’ve got firepower in Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Eugenio Suárez, who blasted a two-run homer off Pressly in Saturday’s ninth. The D-backs’ speed and power make them a tough out, but the Cubs’ pitching staff—allowing a stingy .224 opponent batting average—has been up to the task so far. If Boyd can match Imanaga’s brilliance and the offense keeps rolling, Swanson’s prediction could come true.

What’s Fueling the Streak?

Chicago’s early dominance stems from a balanced attack. Offensively, they’re clicking, with Tucker, Suzuki, and Swanson leading a lineup that’s pounded out 55 hits in 186 at-bats (.296 average). Tucker’s three-hit, two-RBI night against Arizona and Swanson’s homer against the Padres earlier this week highlight their depth. Defensively, plays like Swanson’s game-ender showcase an infield—featuring Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw—that’s among the league’s best.

Pitching has been the unsung hero. Imanaga’s seven-inning gem on Saturday followed strong starts from Justin Steele and Kyle Hendricks, while the bullpen, despite Pressly’s ninth-inning wobbles, has held firm. This mix of veteran savvy and young energy has the Cubs playing with a swagger not seen since their 2016 World Series run.

Swanson’s Leadership Sets the Tone

Swanson’s statement isn’t just about tomorrow—it’s about the season ahead. After missing the playoffs in 2024 despite a late surge (46-35 in the second half), the Cubs entered 2025 as NL Central favorites with a 51.5% postseason probability, per FanGraphs. Swanson, who played all 162 games for Atlanta in 2022, thrives in the grind of a long season. His experience—two All-Star nods, a World Series ring, and 60 Outs Above Average defensively over the last three years—makes him the perfect voice to keep this team focused.

“We’re ready to keep the streak alive” isn’t a throwaway line. It’s a challenge to his teammates and a warning to opponents. Swanson’s knack for staying calm under pressure—evident in his 2023 comments about not overreacting to early slumps—pairs with a fierce competitiveness that’s rubbing off on younger players like Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong.