The St. Louis Cardinals managed to turn the tide with a crucial 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, breaking free from the shadow of two consecutive losses in their highly competitive National League Central series. The Cardinals, now boasting a 57-54 record, leaned on the resilient arm of Miles Mikolas, who brought his season record to an even 8-8 despite a challenging season ERA of 4.99.
On the mound for Chicago, Justin Steele has not found the same success, holding a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA. Yet, the intensity of the matchup was far from softened by these statistics, as the Cardinals demonstrated their knack for bouncing back in narrow contests.
Prime Time Showdown
The series finale is poised for a dramatic conclusion under the bright lights of Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. ET. As the anticipation builds, Chicago steps into this decisive game listed as favorites, with bookmakers putting them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs stands at 9, a figure reflecting the unpredictable swings of this heated rivalry.
Chicago's performance at home has been notable for its low-scoring nature, with the total runs hitting the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have made a habit of covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, a sign of their tenacity on the road.
Key Performances
Cody Bellinger continues to be a vital cog in the Cubs' lineup. With a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs this season, Bellinger's contributions have been consistently significant. His recent performance against St. Louis, where he went 2-for-4, including a double and a solo home run, underscores his form.
Another formidable presence is Ian Happ, who, despite a .228 average, leads the team with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs. Happ’s prowess was on full display during his 3-for-4 outing against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, which included a double, a homer, and driving in two runs.
On the Cardinals' side, Alec Burleson has been an offensive force with a .278 average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. His clutch performance on July 31 against the Rangers, where he drove in two runs in a 1-for-4 outing, has proven his reliability in critical moments.
Nolan Arenado, a steady contributor for the Cardinals, has a .266 batting average, bolstered by 11 home runs and 48 RBIs. Arenado’s ability to get on base, with a .705 on-base percentage, was evident in his recent performance where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday.
Outlook for the Final Showdown
As the Cubs and Cardinals gear up for their final clash, the stakes are high. Chicago's status as the favorite and their home advantage are tempered by the Cardinals' resilience and recent road performance. Both teams have showcased individual brilliance and collective grit, making the upcoming game a must-watch event.
The outcomes of such intensely contested games often hinge on fine margins, and Sunday's showdown promises to be a testament to that. Fans can expect nothing less than a riveting contest that captures the essence of Major League Baseball’s thrill and unpredictability.