The St. Louis Cardinals showcased their resilience on Saturday, securing a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs in a fiercely contested National League Central showdown. The win was pivotal for the Cardinals, who managed to recover from the setbacks of losing the first two games in the series.
One of the key contributors to this victory was pitcher Miles Mikolas, who improved his record to 8-8 for the season. Despite an ERA of 4.99, Mikolas delivered a gritty performance on the mound, holding the Cubs at bay and giving his team the chance to clinch the win.
On the other side, Justin Steele's season has been marked by a mix of promise and challenge. With a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, Steele has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to consistently translate his efforts into victories. The stage is now set for a high-stakes finale, with the deciding game scheduled for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Chicago's Betting Edge
Heading into the final game, Chicago finds itself as the bookmakers' favorite, listed at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs is set at 9, reflecting the competitive edge between these two teams.
Interestingly, the Cubs have seen the total runs hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. This statistic suggests a potential trend towards lower-scoring games when the Cubs play at home, adding another layer of intrigue to Sunday's matchup.
Cardinals' Road Success and Key Performances
While the Cubs have their statistical trends, the Cardinals have their own strengths, especially when playing away games. St. Louis has covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away contests, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure on the road.
Offensively, the Cardinals have key players who have been instrumental this season. Alec Burleson has been a standout with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. In a notable performance on July 31 against the Rangers, Burleson went 1-for-4, driving in two crucial runs.
Nolan Arenado, another key player for the Cardinals, has a .266 batting average. He has contributed 11 home runs and 48 RBI, combined with an impressive .705 on-base percentage. On Thursday, Arenado demonstrated his consistency by going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI.
Cubs' Offensive Highlights
The Cubs have their own offensive talents to counter the Cardinals. Cody Bellinger boasts a .276 batting average, along with 11 home runs and 42 RBI this season. Bellinger has been a consistent performer, as evidenced by his 2-for-4 outing on Thursday, which included a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Ian Happ has also been a driving force for the Cubs, with a .228 batting average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBI. Happ's versatility was on full display on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for Sunday's deciding game, both teams will be looking to leverage their strengths and bounce back from any individual inconsistencies. With the bookmakers giving Chicago the edge, the Cubs will be motivated to justify their favored status, while the Cardinals aim to capitalize on their proven success in must-win road games.
In a season filled with ups and downs, this matchup represents a crucial juncture for both teams. Fans can expect a highly competitive game under the bright lights of prime time, with each play likely to impact the final standings in the tightly contested National League Central division.
The final contest promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a series that has already seen its share of drama and standout performances. Whether it's a deciding home run, a game-saving defensive play, or a clutch pitching effort, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of baseball.