In a dramatic turnaround, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday, rekindling their prospects in the National League Central. This win broke the Cardinals' losing streak in the series, setting up a high-stakes decider on Sunday Night Baseball.
Amid a pressure-cooker atmosphere, Miles Mikolas (8-8) demonstrated resilience on the mound despite carrying a season ERA of 4.99. Mikolas’s gritty performance was pivotal, keeping the Cardinals in contention and eventually leading them to clinch a narrow victory. On the other side, Justin Steele, with his 2-5 record and 3.38 ERA, showcased his reliable pitching repertoire even as his team fell short.
Prime Time Showdown
The stage is set for the series finale, scheduled to take place under the lights at 7:10 p.m. ET. Chicago comes into the game with the bookmakers backing them as favorites at -148 on the money line, underlining the competitive edge the Cubs are expected to bring.
The over/under for the total runs in this crucial clash stands at 9, a reflection of the unpredictable nature of games between these two fierce rivals. Notably, the Cubs' recent performances have leaned towards lower scoring, with the total runs hitting the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games.
The Cardinals, however, hold a significant edge in spreading runs on the road, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. This kind of consistency could prove instrumental as they look to secure the series win.
Key Performances
Cody Bellinger's contribution has been a focal point for the Cubs this season. Sporting a .276 batting average, along with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs, Bellinger has been indispensable for Chicago. His prowess was on full display on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Ian Happ, another critical asset for the Cubs, boasts a .228 average but leads the team with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs. Happ's recent form includes a notable 3-for-4 outing with a double and a homer, driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31. His performance will be crucial if the Cubs are to cement their status as favorites.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has emerged as a key performer with a .278 batting average, contributing 19 home runs and 64 RBIs. Burleson showcased his clutch hitting, driving in two runs during a previous win over the Rangers on July 31. His role in the upcoming game cannot be understated.
Nolan Arenado also stands out with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, underscored by his .705 on-base percentage. Arenado’s performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, highlights his invaluable presence in the Cardinals’ lineup.
Game Outlook
As the Cardinals and Cubs prepare for the decisive game, both teams will be looking to their key players to step up. The Cubs, with the bookmakers’ backing, will aim to capitalize on their home advantage while maintaining their recent trend of low-scoring battles. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will seek to leverage their strong run line performance on the road to outmaneuver their rivals.
With both teams' competitive edge on full display, fans can expect an electrifying encounter that could swing either way. The Cardinals’ resilience and the Cubs’ home advantage set the perfect stage for a Sunday night showdown that promises high drama and intense baseball action.