The St. Louis Cardinals bounced back from a tough start to their series against the Chicago Cubs, securing a nail-biting 5-4 victory on Saturday night. With this win, the Cardinals improved their record to 57-54, while the Cubs, who have been struggling to find consistency, fell to 54-59 in this fiercely contested National League Central matchup.
A Hard-Fought Win
Saturday's game was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Cardinals, who managed to shake off setbacks from the first two games of the series. Miles Mikolas, who took the mound for St. Louis, delivered a tenacious performance, despite his ERA for the season standing at 4.99. Mikolas's effort earned him his eighth win of the season, evening his record at 8-8.
On the other side, Justin Steele took the hill for the Cubs. Despite showing promise with a respectable 3.38 ERA, Steele's season record dipped to 2-5 following this latest outing. The game’s intensity was palpable, with both teams fighting tooth and nail until the very end, a reflection of the tight-knit rivalry shared between these two historic franchises.
Prime Time Decider
As both teams head into the series decider, scheduled for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball at 7:10 p.m. ET, the anticipation has only heightened. The bookmakers have labeled Chicago as the favorites, listing them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in the game is set at 9, indicating expectations for an offensively driven contest. Recent trends show that 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, adding layers of intrigue to this final showdown.
Key Performers
Offensively, Cody Bellinger has been a bright spot for Chicago with a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBI on the season. His recent performance has been particularly noteworthy; on Thursday, Bellinger went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Ian Happ has also made significant contributions to the Cubs' lineup. Happ, who boasts a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBI, had an impressive outing against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs. His performance will be pivotal as the Cubs look to clinch the series in the final game.
Cardinals' Offensive Strength
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a standout with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. Burleson's contributions were evident in his recent 1-for-4 performance against the Rangers on July 31, where he drove in two runs, helping secure a win for St. Louis.
Nolan Arenado has also been a key player for the Cardinals, maintaining a .266 batting average with 11 home runs and 48 RBI. Arenado's consistency was on display on Thursday when he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, providing the offensive support needed for the Cardinals.
The Road Ahead
With the series now hanging in the balance, the final game promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an already exciting matchup. Both teams have demonstrated their capabilities and resilience, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown under the bright lights of Sunday Night Baseball. As fans from St. Louis and Chicago tune in, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with both teams vying for a much-needed victory in their quest for playoff contention.