Cardinals Rally Past Cubs in Thrilling Victory
The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) showcased their resilience on Saturday with a dramatic 5-4 triumph over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) in a gripping National League Central showdown. This victory came as a relief for the Cardinals, who managed to shake off their disappointments from the first two games of the series.
Heading into the game, Miles Mikolas (8-8) put forth a determined effort on the mound. Despite his season ERA standing at 4.99, Mikolas displayed tenacity and control, contributing significantly to the Cardinals' win. On the other side, Justin Steele's performance was noteworthy, even though he holds a 2-5 record with a 3.38 ERA for the season.
As the series reaches its climax with a decisive game scheduled for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, anticipation is hitting fever pitch. Scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. ET start, bookmakers have positioned Chicago as favorites for this crucial encounter, listing them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in the game is set at 9, reflecting the intense competition expected between these two rivals.
Recent trends may provide some insights for fans and bettors alike. The Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, while the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. These statistics hint at potential outcomes that could shape the final game of this series.
Individually, the players' performances also draw significant attention. Cody Bellinger, with a season batting average of .276, along with 11 home runs and 42 RBI, has been a key contributor for the Cubs. His impressive play continued on Thursday when he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis. Ian Happ has also been crucial, sporting a .228 average with a team-leading 17 home runs and 62 RBI. Happ's prowess was evident most recently when he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31.
From the Cardinals' perspective, Alec Burleson has been a catalyst with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. Burleson demonstrated his clutch ability with a 1-for-4 outing, driving in two critical runs, in a previous win over the Rangers on July 31. Additionally, Nolan Arenado has been a reliable force for St. Louis, maintaining a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBI, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado's recent 2-for-4 performance, which included two singles and an RBI on Thursday, underscores his consistent impact.
The stakes couldn't be higher as the final game of this series approaches. Both teams have shown remarkable spirit and grit, promising a nail-biting contest. While the Cubs might be the bookmakers' favorites, the Cardinals' recent form and individual brilliance cannot be ignored. As fans prepare to witness this highly anticipated clash under the bright lights of prime time, the stage is set for a memorable conclusion to what has already been an electrifying series.