The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) bounced back on Saturday with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) in a crucial National League Central matchup. This win allowed the Cardinals to overcome the losses from the first two games of the series and get back on track.
Miles Mikolas played a pivotal role, delivering a gritty performance despite entering the game with a season ERA of 4.99. His resilience on the mound helped the Cardinals secure a much-needed win during this key part of the season. On the other side, Justin Steele, with a record of 2-5 and a 3.38 ERA, was unable to secure a victory for the Cubs.
Key Plays and Performances
The decisive game is set to take place on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. In this final showdown, Chicago is entering the game as the favorite, with bookmakers listing them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in this game is set at 9.
One interesting betting trend to note is that the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. Conversely, the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, making this matchup even more intriguing for both teams' fans and sports bettors alike.
Standout Players
Cody Bellinger has been a bright spot for the Cubs, boasting a .276 batting average with 11 home runs and 42 RBI for the season. On Thursday, Bellinger showcased his hitting prowess by going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis. His consistency at the plate continues to be a key factor for the Cubs.
Ian Happ has also made significant contributions, maintaining a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBI. On July 31, Happ went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds, highlighting his capability to perform in crucial situations.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson stands out with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. In a previous win over the Rangers on July 31, Burleson had a 1-for-4 outing, driving in two runs. Nolan Arenado, another key player for the Cardinals, boasts a .266 batting average with 11 home runs and 48 RBI, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado continued his solid form by going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday.
What’s at Stake
This series has been a tug-of-war between two resilient teams looking to gain the upper hand in the National League Central. The outcome of Sunday's game will not only determine the series winner but also have significant implications for the standings as both teams aim to solidify their positions.
The fans are in for an exciting finale with top talents like Bellinger and Happ for the Cubs, and Burleson and Arenado for the Cardinals, ready to make a significant impact. As the teams head into the final game of the series, the intensity and stakes will undoubtedly reach a new high, setting the stage for an unforgettable Sunday night showdown.