The St. Louis Cardinals managed to pull off a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, pushing their record to 57-54 and reducing the gap in a fiercely competitive National League Central clash. This win helped the Cardinals bounce back from their setbacks in the first two games of the series.
Key Performances on the Mound
Miles Mikolas, enduring a tough season with an ERA of 4.99, displayed resilience during the game. Sporting an 8-8 record, Mikolas managed to navigate through the Cubs’ lineup, helping to secure the crucial victory for the Cardinals.
On the other side, Justin Steele's stats show a record of 2-5 with a respectable 3.38 ERA. Despite the overall performance of his team, Steele's individual contributions on the mound have been noteworthy.
Looking Ahead
The series will reach its climax on Sunday Night Baseball, with the final game scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. ET start. Interestingly, the Cubs are entering this decisive game as the favorites, with bookmakers setting the money line at -148. The over/under for total runs in this game is established at 9, reflecting the competitive nature anticipated for this matchup.
Recent Trends and Key Performers
The Cubs’ recent performance at Wrigley Field has seen their total runs hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, suggesting a pattern that may continue to influence outcomes. On the flip side, the Cardinals have demonstrated an ability to cover the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, signaling their capacity for stepping up in vital road games.
Offensively, Cody Bellinger has been a standout performer with a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBI this season. His performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 including a double and a solo home run against St. Louis, exemplifies his impact.
Ian Happ, another key player for the Cubs, holds a .228 average but leads the team with 17 home runs and 62 RBI. Happ’s offensive prowess was on display during a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, where he went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and drove in two runs.
Cardinals’ Offensive Highlights
Alec Burleson’s contributions have also been significant for the Cardinals. With a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI, Burleson’s performance has been a bright spot for the team. His recent outing against the Rangers on July 31, where he went 1-for-4 and drove in two runs, underscores his importance.
Another pivotal player for St. Louis, Nolan Arenado, boasts a .266 batting average along with 11 home runs and 48 RBI. Complementing his stats with a .705 on-base percentage, Arenado remains a central figure for the Cardinals. His performance on Thursday, with a 2-for-4 outing that included two singles and an RBI, further highlights his role in the team’s success.
As the stage is set for the final game of this series, both teams have showcased their strengths and weaknesses. With the Cardinals seeking to capitalize on their momentum and the Cubs aiming to defend their favored status, baseball fans can look forward to an electrifying conclusion under the prime-time lights.