In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday, the St. Louis Cardinals managed to edge past the Chicago Cubs with a nail-biting 5-4 victory in their National League Central showdown. This triumph offered a much-needed respite for the Cardinals, who had struggled in the first two games of the series.
The hero of the game was undoubtedly Miles Mikolas. Despite carrying a season ERA of 4.99, Mikolas showcased his resilience on the mound, refining his record to an even 8-8. His gritty performance was pivotal in securing this critical win for the Cardinals.
On the other side, Justin Steele, despite a commendable ERA of 3.38, saw his record drop to a disappointing 2-5. Steele’s efforts, though valiant, weren’t enough to stymie the Cardinals’ surge.
Final Showdown Awaits
The series finale, set for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, promises to be a fiery contest. With the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, the Cubs enter the final game favored by bookmakers at -148 on the money line. The anticipation is further heightened with the over/under for total runs pegged at 9. Historical trends indicate a possibly tight game, as the Cubs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, while the Cardinals have impressively covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games.
Key Performers
Chicago’s Cody Bellinger continues to be a standout performer this season, boasting a batting average of .276 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs. His prowess was on full display recently, as he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis on Thursday.
Ian Happ, despite a modest batting average of .228, leads the Cubs with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs. His contributions were crucial in a recent game against Cincinnati on July 31, where he went 3-for-4, including a double and a home run, driving in two runs.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been delivering consistently with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. Burleson's performance against the Rangers on July 31, where he had a 1-for-4 outing and drove in two runs, underscores his value to the team.
Nolan Arenado remains a key cog in the Cardinals' lineup, featuring a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs complemented by an on-base percentage of .705. Arenado’s recent performance included a 2-for-4 outing with two singles and an RBI on Thursday.
Anticipation Builds
As both teams gear up for the decisive game, all eyes will be on their star performers. The Cardinals, buoyed by their recent win, will look to capitalize on their momentum, while the Cubs will aim to leverage their favored status and home advantage to clinch the series.
In a season where every game can pivot the fortunes of a team, this final clash between these storied rivals promises to be an unmissable spectacle. Whether it's the form of Bellinger and Happ for the Cubs, or the tenacity of Mikolas and Arenado for the Cardinals, fans can expect an intense battle under the lights of Sunday Night Baseball.