In a dramatic National League Central showdown, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) clawed their way to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. This hard-fought win allowed the Cardinals to bounce back after dropping the first two games of the series.
A Crucial Victory
Miles Mikolas showcased his resilience on the mound for the Cardinals, despite a season ERA of 4.99. Mikolas, now with an 8-8 record, managed to keep the Cubs at bay long enough for his team to secure the win.
On the other side, Justin Steele's performance for the Cubs was underscored by his record of 2-5 and a 3.38 ERA. Despite his efforts, the Cubs' defeat set the stage for a must-win final game in the series.
The Decisive Clash
The concluding game is scheduled for a prime-time slot on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Chicago enters this crucial game as the favorites, with bookmakers listing them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in this matchup stands at 9.
Historically, the Cubs' total runs have fallen short of expectations in 25 of their last 38 home games, hitting the Under more often than not. On the flip side, the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, demonstrating their knack for performing well on the road.
Key Players in Focus
Cody Bellinger remains a focal point for the Cubs' offense. With a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs this season, Bellinger has been a consistent performer. In a notable outing on Thursday, he went 2-for-4, including a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Not to be outdone, Ian Happ has emerged as a key contributor with a .228 batting average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. Happ's recent performance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs, highlights his offensive capabilities.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson stands out with his .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. Burleson played a pivotal role in a previous win over the Rangers on July 31, driving in two runs with a 1-for-4 outing.
Arenado's Steadfast Presence
Nolan Arenado continues to be a cornerstone for the Cardinals. With a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage, Arenado's consistency shines through. His recent performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, underscores his reliability.
As the Cardinals and Cubs prepare for the decisive game, both teams will look to their key players and recent patterns for an edge. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle under the lights, with every run and every play carrying significant weight.