The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) managed to breathe new life into their series against the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday, capturing a gripping 5-4 victory in a National League Central face-off. This much-needed win enabled the Cardinals to bounce back from earlier setbacks in the series and keep their spirits high ahead of the crucial deciding game.
Pitcher Miles Mikolas put forth a gritty performance, exhibiting determination despite enduring a challenging season marked by a 4.99 ERA. Mikolas's resilience on the mound played a pivotal role in steering the Cardinals to triumph, evening his season record to 8-8.
On the opposing side, Justin Steele's performance stood out, holding a season record of 2-5 with a commendable 3.38 ERA. However, Steele's efforts fell short as the Cubs struggled to clinch the victory.
Prime-Time Showdown Awaits
The excitement is set to continue with the deciding game slated for prime time under the bright lights of Sunday Night Baseball. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, promising an electrifying conclusion to a fiercely contested series. Entering this final game, the bookmakers have pegged the Cubs as the favorites with a -148 money line, while the over/under for total runs is set at 9.
The Cubs have been a mixed bag when it comes to total runs, with their games hitting the Under in 25 of their last 38 home outings. On the other hand, the Cardinals have demonstrated a knack for covering the run line, achieving this feat in nine of their last 11 away games. This intriguing dynamic sets the stage for a thrilling final showdown.
Key Performances
Cody Bellinger continues to be a significant offensive force for the Cubs, boasting a .276 batting average along with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. Bellinger's recent performance against the Cardinals was notable, as he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run, underscoring his value to the team's lineup.
Meanwhile, Ian Happ remains a consistent contributor to the Cubs' offense. With a .228 batting average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs, Happ's prowess was evident against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31 when he went 3-for-4, driving in two runs with a double and a homer.
On the Cardinals' side, Alec Burleson's contributions have been impressive, maintaining a .278 batting average, with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs this season. Burleson showcased his run-producing abilities in a previous win over the Rangers on July 31, driving in two runs during a 1-for-4 outing.
Veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado has been instrumental for the Cardinals as well, with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs. Arenado consistently delivers at key moments, evident from his 2-for-4 performance, which included driving in a run with two singles against the Cubs on Thursday. His on-base percentage stands at .705, highlighting his all-around offensive contributions.
Concluding Remarks
As the series reaches its climax, both teams are poised to leave it all on the field. The Cardinals, riding high on their latest victory, will look to capitalize on their momentum. At the same time, the Cubs aim to leverage their favorability with bookmakers and home advantage. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness the anticipated fireworks of the final game, marking yet another chapter in the storied competition between these National League Central rivals.