The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) turned the tide on Saturday evening with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59), reinvigorating their series in an intense National League Central matchup. This victory allowed the Cardinals to overcome their setbacks from the opening two games of the series, setting the stage for a riveting final showdown.
On the mound, Miles Mikolas (8-8) delivered a gritty performance despite his season ERA standing at 4.99. His resilience was instrumental in steadying the Cardinals' ship and providing the much-needed momentum to outlast the Cubs. In contrast, Justin Steele’s season record of 2-5 with a 3.38 ERA highlighted his struggles on the mound, which the Cardinals capitalized on.
Key Players Shine
Cody Bellinger continued to be a bright spot for the Cubs with a .276 batting average, boasting 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. His performance on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis, showcased his hitting prowess, though it ultimately wasn’t enough to clinch the series victory for Chicago.
Ian Happ has also been a reliable force for the Cubs with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. His standout performance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run, driving in two runs, underlined his capability to deliver under pressure.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a key contributor, featuring a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. In the recent win against the Rangers on July 31, Burleson had a commendable 1-for-4 outing, driving in two runs, underscoring his role as a clutch player for St. Louis.
Decisive Moments
Nolan Arenado has been consistent with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. His 2-for-4 performance with two singles and an RBI on Thursday highlighted his reliability in pivotal moments. Arenado's contributions have been critical in keeping the Cardinals competitive throughout the season.
The final game of this engaging series is set for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. In a crucial indicator of the expected competitiveness, bookmakers have listed Chicago as favorites at -148 on the money line. Additionally, the over/under for total runs in this decisive game is pegged at 9.
Trends and Expectations
The Cubs have witnessed their total runs hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, a trend that may influence game strategies and betting decisions. Conversely, the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, showcasing their tenacity in road matchups.
This final clash between the Cubs and the Cardinals promises to be a nail-biter as both teams vie for crucial wins that could shape their season trajectory. With both squads bringing their best to the field, fans can anticipate a grueling battle marked by high stakes and intense competition, fitting for a Sunday night classic under the lights.