In an intense National League Central clash, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) managed to rebound with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. This crucial win allowed the Cardinals to shake off the setbacks they experienced in the first two games of the series.
Key Performances Anchor Cardinals' Victory
Pivotal to the Cardinals' success was the gritty performance delivered by Miles Mikolas, who, despite a challenging season marked by a 4.99 ERA, secured his eighth win, evening his record at 8-8. Mikolas' tenacity on the mound exemplified the Cardinals' resolve as they fought to regain momentum in the series.
On the other side, Justin Steele of the Cubs, despite a respectable 3.38 ERA, found less success, holding a 2-5 record. This contrast in pitching outcomes underscored the frustration Chicago has had in translating strong individual performances into consistent team victories.
Deciding Game Set for Prime Time
The stage is now set for a decisive showdown on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Heading into this final game, the Cubs are favored by bookmakers, listed at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in this game is pegged at 9, reflecting the expected intensity and competitiveness.
The stats add an intriguing layer to the upcoming game: the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, while the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. These trends hint at the tactical battle anticipated under the prime-time spotlight.
Individual Stars Shine
Several players stood out in recent matchups, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying finale. For the Cubs, Cody Bellinger has been a consistent performer, boasting a .276 batting average, along with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. His recent 2-for-4 outing on Thursday, which included a double and a solo home run against St. Louis, attests to his formidable presence at the plate.
Similarly, Ian Happ has been a key contributor, maintaining a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBIs. Happ's performance on July 31, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds, highlights his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Notably, Alec Burleson of the Cardinals has demonstrated his prowess with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. His 1-for-4 outing on July 31, which included driving in two runs in a win over the Rangers, underscores his clutch capabilities.
Nolan Arenado has also been a steady force for the Cardinals, maintaining a .266 batting average with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. His recent performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, exemplifies his reliability.
As fans eagerly await the final game of the series, the form and resilience of these key players will be under the spotlight. Both teams will be looking to their stars to make the pivotal plays that could swing the outcome in their favor.
Anticipation Builds for Sunday Showdown
With everything on the line, the deciding game on Sunday night promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the series. The Cardinals will aim to capitalize on their recent win to clinch the series, while the Cubs will be seeking redemption and a chance to turn the bookmakers' confidence into a tangible victory.
As these two storied rivals prepare to face off, fans can expect a showcase of high-stakes baseball, where every pitch and at-bat could be the difference-maker. The narrative of the season may well hinge on the outcome of this much-anticipated prime-time clash.