The St. Louis Cardinals reclaimed their footing with a nail-biting 5-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to their National League Central series. This resilient display was much needed for the Cardinals, who had stumbled in the first two games.
Mikolas Overcomes Hurdles
Miles Mikolas, now with an 8-8 record, displayed a determined performance despite the weight of a 4.99 season ERA. The pitcher demonstrated a commendable capacity to navigate through Chicago's lineup, providing the Cardinals with a much-needed push towards the win.
On the flip side, Justin Steele's record stands at 2-5, accompanied by a respectable 3.38 ERA. Despite Steele's efforts, the Cubs couldn't capitalize on opportunities to secure the win.
Prime-Time Showdown
The decisive game is scheduled for Sunday Night Baseball, commencing at 7:10 p.m. ET. Chicago steps into this crucial game as the bookmakers' favorites with a money line set at -148. The anticipation is palpable as fans and analysts alike look forward to how this fierce rivalry will unfold.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the over/under for total runs is marked at 9. This stat is particularly interesting, given that the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have successfully covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, underscoring their strong performance on the road.
Keen Performances
Cody Bellinger continues to be a reliable presence for the Cubs, boasting a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBI this season. On Thursday, Bellinger showcased his form by going 2-for-4, including a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Equally impressive, Ian Happ holds a .228 average and has been a key figure with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBI. His impact was on full display on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds, where Happ went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and two driven-in runs.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has made his mark with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. His performance on July 31 against the Rangers was pivotal, going 1-for-4 and driving in two runs, contributing significantly to the Cardinals' win.
Nolan Arenado also remains a crucial figure, holding a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, 48 RBI, and a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado’s contribution was evident with his 2-for-4 outing, netting two singles and an RBI last Thursday.
Game-Day Factors
As the Cardinals and Cubs brace for Sunday’s showdown, the momentum swings slightly favor the Cubs based on the betting lines. The Cardinals’ recent form on the road, however, should not be overlooked.
Both teams will need their key players to step up in this final game. Mikolas’s resilience and Arenado’s consistency can tip the scales for St. Louis, while Chicago will rely on Bellinger and Happ to deliver impactful performances.
The fans are in for an electrifying conclusion to the series. With high stakes and fierce competition, this game promises to be a fitting end to a captivating series between two storied franchises.