The St. Louis Cardinals, with a record of 57-54, managed to pull off a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. This win allowed the Cardinals to overcome their losses in the first two games of the intense National League Central showdown.
Solid Performance by Miles Mikolas
Miles Mikolas, now holding an 8-8 record, delivered a gritty performance despite his season ERA standing at 4.99. His resilience on the mound played a crucial role in keeping the Cardinals in the game and ultimately securing the win.
On the other hand, Justin Steele, with a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, faced another setback. Despite his respectable ERA, his struggles have persisted, contributing to Chicago's recent challenges.
Exciting Decider on Prime Time
The decisive game of the series is set for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. The bookmakers have listed the Cubs as favorites, with a money line of -148.
Interestingly, the over/under for total runs in this game is pegged at 9. Notably, the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, suggesting a trend worth watching. Conversely, the Cardinals have been proficient at covering the run line, achieving it in nine of their last 11 away games.
Key Player Performances
Cody Bellinger has been a bright spot for the Cubs this season, boasting a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs. On Thursday, Bellinger had an impressive outing, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis. His consistent performance at the plate has been vital for the Cubs.
Ian Happ, another crucial player for Chicago, holds a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBIs. Happ showcased his prowess on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds, going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs.
Alec Burleson of the Cardinals has also been noteworthy, with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. In a previous matchup against the Rangers on July 31, Burleson went 1-for-4, contributing two RBIs to secure a win for St. Louis.
Nolan Arenado continues to be a consistent performer for the Cardinals, holding a .266 batting average with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. On Thursday, Arenado went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, further demonstrating his reliability at the plate.
Anticipation Builds
As anticipation builds for the series decider, both teams have a lot at stake. The Cardinals, having rebounded with a crucial win, aim to carry their momentum forward. Meanwhile, the Cubs, despite recent setbacks, are poised to capitalize on their favored status and turn the tide.
This National League Central clash has showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams. As fans tune in for the much-awaited game under the lights, Sunday's matchup promises to be a captivating contest that could have significant implications for both teams' standings as the season progresses.