Game Details
Major League Baseball is staging a momentous game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday night. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals will face off in a regular-season game at the historic ballpark. Rickwood Field holds a special place in baseball history as Willie Mays made his professional debut there in 1948. Sadly, Willie Mays passed away earlier this week, adding an emotional layer to this already special event.Game Summary
Who: Giants vs. CardinalsDate: Thursday, June 20
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Rickwood Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
Probable Pitchers: RHP Keaton Winn (3-7, 6.66 ERA) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (2-3, 4.61 ERA)
Odds: SF -115 | STL -105
Over/Under: 90
Storylines
The Giants
The San Francisco Giants enter this game with a mixed record, having lost four of their last six games. They currently hold a 36-39 record and are one game out of the third NL wild-card spot. Starting pitcher Keaton Winn had a promising start to the season, finishing April with three solid outings. However, he has struggled mightily since then, posting a 13.02 ERA across his last five starts. Despite his recent struggles, Winn managed a quality start in his last outing against the Angels.The Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They recently rose above .500 for the first time since early in the season, although they suffered two consecutive walk-off losses to the Miami Marlins. The Cardinals hold a 36-37 record, sitting 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. They are currently tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots. Andre Pallante, who started the season as a reliever, has transitioned to the starting rotation. He has made only four starts so far, averaging just 4 1/3 innings per start with a 3.63 ERA. His last outing saw him throw just 59 pitches, which could strain the Cardinals' bullpen.Prediction
Major League Baseball is likely to have a pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays. Such tributes will likely strike an emotional chord and set a reverent tone for the evening. The sweltering weather in Birmingham should make Rickwood Field a hitter-friendly environment, and the ballpark's characteristics remain an enigma. Given the favorable hitting conditions, the subpar form of both starting pitchers, and the taxed bullpens, a high-scoring affair is anticipated. Expect fireworks as both teams capitalize on the conditions.Prediction: Giants 8, Cardinals 7
"Major League Baseball is sure to put together a poignant pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays."