The St. Louis Cardinals put on a show on Saturday as they clawed their way to a gripping 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs in a heated National League Central battle. This win was a crucial response for the Cardinals, who had stumbled in the first two games of the series.
Veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas, now with an 8-8 record, displayed tenacity and determination, despite his season ERA sitting at 4.99. It wasn't a cakewalk by any means, but Mikolas’ gritty performance was enough to keep the Cardinals afloat against a relentless Cubs lineup.
Cubs as Favorites
As the teams gear up for the deciding game, slated for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball at 7:10 p.m. ET, the bookmakers have pegged Chicago as favorites with a money line of -148. Chicago's recent form has evidently swayed the odds in their favor, but St. Louis has proven they can turn the tables. With the over/under for total runs set at 9, the game promises to be another nail-biter. Notably, the Cubs’ total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, setting the stage for a potentially tight contest.
Batting Standouts
On the batting front, several key players have showcased impressive stats this season. For the Cubs, Cody Bellinger has been a reliable presence with a .276 batting average, bolstered by 11 home runs and 42 RBIs. Bellinger continues to shine, as evidenced by his performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Ian Happ has also had a noteworthy season, sporting a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBIs. His most recent standout performance came on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds, when he went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and drove in two runs. These contributions have been vital for the Cubs, and they'll be looking to these players to maintain their form in the decider.
Meanwhile, for the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been making waves with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. In a previous win over the Rangers on July 31, Burleson had a notable outing, driving in two runs with a 1-for-4 performance.
Key Contributions
Nolan Arenado continues to be a backbone for the Cardinals, delighting fans with consistent performances. Arenado is hitting .266 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. His recent effort against the Cubs saw him go 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday, further solidifying his role as a key player in their lineup.
Despite recent setbacks, the Cardinals have managed to cover the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. This consistency on the road will be critical as they aim to clinch the series in Chicago. With Justin Steele, who holds a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, likely playing a pivotal role for the Cubs, the matchup is set to be a compelling duel of will and skill.
As both teams prepare for the crucial Sunday night game, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation. For the Cardinals, it’s a chance to capitalize on their momentum and secure the series. For the Cubs, it’s a drive to reaffirm their status as favorites and bounce back decisively. With so much at stake and dynamic players on both sides, fans can expect an enthralling spectacle under the prime time lights.