In an edge-of-your-seat National League Central clash, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) rallied on Saturday to seize a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59). This win was a much-needed reprieve for the Cardinals, who managed to snap their losing streak from the previous two games of the series.
Pitcher Miles Mikolas (8-8) demonstrated resilience on the mound, a quality much needed despite the challenge of his season ERA of 4.99. Mikolas's gritty performance was integral in securing the win for the Cardinals, showcasing his ability to stand firm under pressure.
Meanwhile, the Cubs had their own pitching story with Justin Steele, who holds a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA. Steele has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and although he didn't manage to secure the win, his contributions have been noteworthy.
Anticipation Builds for Decisive Game
The teams are set for a crucial showdown in the deciding game on Sunday Night Baseball, which will be aired in prime time. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, a time when the eyes of baseball fans will be riveted to see who will clinch the series.
Bookmakers have pegged Chicago as the favorites, listing them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs is set at 9, adding an extra layer of excitement and speculation to the matchup. This statistical angle brings attention to the Cubs' scoring patterns—Chicago's total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. Conversely, the Cardinals have been strong on the road, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games.
Bats to Watch
Several key players have been making significant contributions with the bat. Cody Bellinger, with a .276 batting average, has been a steady performer with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. His showing on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis, underscores his offensive prowess.
Ian Happ has also been an important asset for the Cubs. Maintaining a .228 average, Happ has hit 17 home runs and leads the team with 62 RBIs. His recent performance on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs, highlights his capability to change the game's momentum.
On the Cardinals' side, Alec Burleson has been making his presence felt with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. Burleson's clutch hitting was on display in a previous victory over the Rangers on July 31, where he went 1-for-4 and drove in two runs.
Nolan Arenado's consistent performance can't be overlooked either. With a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, Arenado has been a reliable hitter for St. Louis. His recent performance saw him go 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday, reinforcing his role as a key offensive cog in the Cardinals lineup.
Looking Ahead
The final game of the series promises to be a captivating contest, with both teams vying for a critical win. Chicago, entering as the favorites, will look to leverage their strengths at Wrigley Field, while St. Louis aims to build on their recent momentum and clinch the series. The statistics and individual performances offer a tantalizing preview of what fans can expect—a classic battle with everything on the line.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the narratives are set, the stakes understood, and baseball enthusiasts everywhere eagerly await the next chapter in this storied rivalry.