Game Details
Major League Baseball is staging a momentous game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday night. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals will face off in a regular-season game at the historic ballpark, which holds a special place in baseball history.The game gains further significance as it occurs shortly after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who made his professional debut at Rickwood Field in 1948.
Game Summary
Who: Giants vs. CardinalsDate: Thursday, June 20
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Rickwood Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
Probable Pitchers: RHP Keaton Winn (3-7, 6.66 ERA) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (2-3, 4.61 ERA)
Odds: SF -115 | STL -105
Over/Under: 90
Storylines
The Giants
The San Francisco Giants enter this game with a mixed record, having lost four of their last six games to bring their record to 36-39. They currently sit one game out of the third NL wild-card spot.Keaton Winn had a promising start to the season, finishing April with three solid outings. However, he has struggled mightily since, posting a 13.02 ERA across his last five starts. Despite his recent difficulties, he managed a quality start in his last outing against the Angels.
The Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance this season. For the first time since early in the season, they have risen above .500. However, they had two consecutive walk-off losses to the Miami Marlins, bringing their record to 36-37. They are currently 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central and are tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots.Andre Pallante started the season as a reliever but transitioned to the rotation, making only four starts so far. He averages just 4 1/3 innings per start with a respectable 3.63 ERA. His last outing saw him throw just 59 pitches, which could strain the Cardinals' bullpen if he has another short outing.
Prediction
Major League Baseball will likely have a pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays. Such tributes will probably strike an emotional chord and set a reverent tone for the evening.The sweltering weather in Birmingham should make Rickwood Field a hitter-friendly environment. The ballpark's characteristics remain somewhat of an enigma, with conditions suggesting a high-scoring affair is on the cards. Given the subpar form of both starting pitchers and the taxed bullpens, a slugfest is anticipated.
Expect fireworks as both teams capitalize on favorable hitting conditions. Prediction: Giants 8, Cardinals 7
"Major League Baseball is sure to put together a poignant pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays."