The St. Louis Cardinals managed to find their footing on Saturday with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs in an intense National League Central clash. This win breaks the losing streak they faced in the first two games of the series, setting the stage for a decisive showdown on Sunday Night Baseball.
Miles Mikolas, starting pitcher for the Cardinals, put on a gritty performance. Despite a challenging season with an ERA of 4.99, Mikolas was able to secure his eighth win of the season, bringing his record to a balanced 8-8. On the mound for the Cubs, Justin Steele, with a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, couldn't tilt the game's outcome in favor of Chicago.
Key Performances Fuel Cardinals' Win
The game saw notable contributions from several Cardinals players. Cody Bellinger, having a consistent season with a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs, had previously gone 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis. Nolan Arenado added to the offensive burst with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs – most recently, he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday.
Alec Burleson also made significant strides, maintaining a .278 batting average with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs. His performance has been steadfast, highlighted by a 1-for-4 outing where he drove in two runs in a victory against the Rangers on July 31.
For the Cubs, Ian Happ remains one of their bright spots with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. On July 31, Happ demonstrated his batting prowess by going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds.
Sunday Night Baseball Preview
Looking ahead, the deciding game of the series is set for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Despite the loss, Chicago enters this final game with the bookmakers listing them as favorites at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs is pegged at 9, a reflection of the competitive nature of both teams.
The Cubs' recent home game performances suggest a betting edge, hitting the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. However, the Cardinals have a strong track record on the road, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. These statistics add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash, promising a battle of strategy and skill.
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Challenges
While the Cardinals celebrate their recent win, the Cubs will aim to draw on their defensive strengths and correct recent offensive inconsistencies. Their ability to control scoring in previous home games will be put to the test against a rejuvenated Cardinals team.
Cody Bellinger's consistent offensive contributions remain crucial for the Cubs. His recent form, including a .276 batting average, suggests he will play a pivotal role. Complementing Bellinger, Ian Happ's power-hitting ability, showcased with 17 home runs, will be essential in generating the runs Chicago needs to secure a series win.
On the other side, the Cardinals will look to build on their momentum. Miles Mikolas' experience on the mound provides a backbone for their pitching rotation. Coupled with offensive performances from players like Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson, the Cardinals will aim to continue their recent winning trend.
The final game promises to be a confrontation of wills - both teams have shown strengths that could tip the scales either way. With the Cardinals' recent form and the Cubs favored by the bookmakers, baseball fans can expect an electrifying conclusion to this series.