The St. Louis Cardinals found their rhythm at just the right moment, clinching a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. This win not only snapped a brief setback from the first two games of their series but also tightened their stance in the fiercely competitive National League Central. With this victory, the Cardinals improved their record to 57-54, while the Cubs slipped to 54-59.
The game saw Miles Mikolas (8-8) on the mound for the Cardinals. Despite his season ERA being a hefty 4.99, Mikolas showcased resilience and determination. His grit became a cornerstone for St. Louis, allowing them to edge out a win in such a close contest.
On the other side, Justin Steele pitched for the Cubs. With a 2-5 record and a commendable 3.38 ERA, Steele has had a season that mixed highs and lows. While he put up a strong fight, the Cubs couldn't quite clutch the win in the end.
Deciding Game Looms
The series now stands on a knife-edge, with the final game scheduled for Sunday Night Baseball. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on this prime-time matchup. Chicago enters the game with the bookmakers favoring them slightly at -148 on the money line. The anticipated over/under for total runs in this deciding game sits at 9.
Statistical Trends
For the Cubs, there's a discernible pattern when it comes to scoring at home. In 25 of their last 38 home games, the total runs have hit the Under. Conversely, the Cardinals have a strong record when it comes to covering the run line, doing so in nine of their last 11 away games. These trends could become pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.
Player Performances
Among the individual performances, Cody Bellinger's contributions this season for the Cubs cannot be overlooked. Bellinger boasts a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs. His recent form has been impressive, including going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Thursday’s game against St. Louis.
Teammate Ian Happ has also been a crucial player for Chicago, with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. His exploits were notably visible in a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has emerged as a key player this season. Burleson has a .278 batting average, an impressive 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. His performance on July 31 against the Texas Rangers, where he went 1-for-4 and drove in two runs, stands out.
Nolan Arenado has also been a significant contributor for St. Louis. With a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, Arenado’s consistency has been valuable. On Thursday, he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
As the stage is set for the series-deciding game, both teams will undoubtedly put their best foot forward. The Cardinals hope to carry forward their momentum from the recent win, while the Cubs will aim to leverage their home advantage and the slight favor from the bookmakers.
Fans across the league will be keenly watching the showdown, anticipating a contest that promises to be as intense and thrilling as the series has been so far.