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 this historic ballpark. Rickwood Field holds a special place in baseball history, as Willie Mays made his professional debut here in 1948. Sadly, the game also serves as a tribute to Willie Mays, who passed away earlier this week.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 come into this game with a mixed record. They have lost four of their last six games, holding a 36-39 record overall. The Giants are currently one game out of the third NL wild-card spot. Keaton Winn had a promising start to the season, finishing April with a series of solid outings. However, he has struggled mightily since, posting a 13.02 ERA across his last five starts. Despite this rough patch, 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. Recently, they rose above .500 for the first time since early in the season. However, they suffered two consecutive walk-off losses to the Miami Marlins. They currently hold a 36-37 record, sitting 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. The Cardinals are tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots. Andre Pallante started the season as a reliever but has since transitioned to the rotation. He has made only four starts so far, averaging just 4 1/3 innings per start with a 3.63 ERA. His last outing saw him throw just 59 pitches, which could put additional strain on the Cardinals' bullpen.Prediction
Major League Baseball is expected to have a pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays. Such tributes will likely strike an emotional chord and set a reverent tone for the evening. The sweltering weather in Birmingham suggests that Rickwood Field will be a hitter-friendly environment. Given the historical nature of the ballpark, its characteristics remain somewhat of an enigma. However, the conditions point towards a high-scoring affair. With both starting pitchers experiencing subpar form and the bullpens likely to be taxed, a slugfest is anticipated. Expect fireworks as both teams capitalize on the 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."