In a display worthy of its storied history, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) came through in clutch fashion to nab a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. The game, part of an intense National League Central showdown, saw the Cardinals bounce back after dropping the first two games of the series.
Miles Mikolas, now sporting an 8-8 record, was nothing short of resilient on the mound, despite a season ERA of 4.99. His tenacity kept the Cardinals in contention throughout a tightly contested contest. On the opposing side, Justin Steele, carrying a 2-5 record with a more respectable 3.38 ERA, couldn't quite contain the Cardinals' surge.
Sunday Night Finale
The series now comes down to a decisive game under the bright lights of Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Oddsmakers have listed the Cubs as favorites with a money line of -148, but recent history suggests nothing is set in stone. The over/under for total runs is set at 9, a figure that raises eyebrows given the Cubs' recent home-game performances where they've hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 games.
The Cardinals, flushed with confidence, have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Standout Performances
Offensively, Cody Bellinger continues to be a player to watch. Holding a .276 batting average with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season, Bellinger's contributions have been pivotal. His recent 2-for-4 performance against the Cardinals, featuring a double and a solo home run, underlines his knack for delivering when it counts.
Ian Happ, despite a modest .228 batting average, boasts 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBIs. His 3-for-4 outing against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, which included a double and a homer, driving in two runs, underscores his value to the Cubs' offense.
Cardinals’ Key Contributors
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a revelation. With a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs, his consistency has been crucial. Burleson's 1-for-4 performance, driving in two runs in a recent win over the Rangers, demonstrates his reliability in clutch situations.
Nolan Arenado, another key asset for the Cardinals, maintains a .266 batting average with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. His 2-for-4 performance with two singles and an RBI against the Cubs on Thursday stands out as a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.
What Lies Ahead
As the Cardinals and Cubs prepare for the series' final chapter, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams have showcased their strengths and vulnerabilities, setting the stage for an exhilarating contest. With form and momentum both playing a role, fans can expect a fiercely competitive game that could very well go down to the wire.
Whether it’s the decisive pitching, clutch hitting, or game-changing defensive plays, Sunday's matchup is primed to deliver on all fronts. Will the Cardinals continue their resurgence, or can the Cubs leverage their home-field advantage to prevail? One thing is certain: baseball fans are in for a treat.