In a thrilling National League Central showdown, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) managed to swing the momentum back in their favor with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. This crucial win allowed the Cardinals to bounce back after losing the first two games of the series, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field.
Miles Mikolas' Gritty Performance
Pivotal to the Cardinals' success was Miles Mikolas (8-8), who delivered a gritty and commendable performance despite his season ERA sitting at 4.99. Mikolas' determination on the mound was evident, as he managed to keep the Cubs' offense at bay and provide his team with a fighting chance to secure the victory.
Upcoming Decisive Battle
The stage is set for a highly anticipated deciding game, scheduled for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch slated for 7:10 p.m. ET. The Chicago Cubs enter this final clash with bookmakers listing them as favorites at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in this game is pegged at 9, reflecting the potential for another tightly contested affair.
Trends and Team Stats
Chicago has experienced a pattern of low-scoring games at home, with their total runs hitting the under in 25 of their last 38 home games. In contrast, the Cardinals have displayed a knack for covering the run line, achieving this in nine of their last 11 away games. These trends could play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming match.
Player Highlights
Several players have made remarkable contributions leading up to this decisive game. For the Cubs, Cody Bellinger has been a standout with a .276 batting average, along with 11 home runs and 42 RBI on the season. Bellinger's recent performance included a strong outing on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Ian Happ has also been a crucial player for the Cubs, boasting a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBI. Happ's prowess was on full display on July 31, when he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has emerged as a key player with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. Burleson's contribution in a previous win over the Rangers on July 31, where he went 1-for-4 and drove in two runs, underscores his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Nolan Arenado, another vital asset for the Cardinals, has maintained a .266 batting average, with 11 home runs and 48 RBI, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado's consistency was evident on Thursday when he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, highlighting his reliability in pivotal situations.
Final Thoughts
As the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs gear up for the final game of their series, both teams will be looking to their key players and leveraging their recent trends to gain the upper hand. With the Cubs favored by bookmakers and the Cardinals riding the momentum of their latest victory, fans can expect a fiercely competitive and captivating matchup under the prime-time lights of Sunday Night Baseball.