In a dramatic turnaround, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) secured a narrow 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday, reinstating their momentum in a gripping National League Central series. This victory served as a much-needed remedy for the Cardinals, who stumbled in the initial two matches of the series.
Pitching Performances
The Cardinals' win can be largely credited to the resilient effort by pitcher Miles Mikolas, who now stands with an 8-8 record. Despite his season ERA being a concerning 4.99, Mikolas showcased his grit and determination to keep the Cubs’ batting lineup in check. Meanwhile, Cubs’ pitcher Justin Steele, with a 2-5 record and a more respectable 3.38 ERA, also put up a commendable fight on the mound.
Sunday Night Showdown
The series will culminate in an eagerly awaited showdown on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Heading into this decisive game, bookmakers have marked Chicago as the favorites at -148 on the money line. The over/under total runs for this high-stakes game is set at 9. Notably, the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, while the Cardinals have successfully covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games.
Key Players and Performances
Cody Bellinger remains a crucial asset for the Cubs, boasting a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs this season. Bellinger was in top form on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis. Likewise, Ian Happ has been a significant contributor with a .228 batting average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. Happ's performance on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds was particularly notable as he went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and drove in two runs.
On the Cardinals' side, Alec Burleson has been a standout with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. Burleson’s clutch hitting continued as he recorded a 1-for-4 outing, driving in two runs in a victory over the Rangers on July 31. Nolan Arenado, with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, is another key player for St. Louis. Arenado delivered a solid performance on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI.
Momentum and Predictions
As the Cardinals aim to carry forward their regained form, the Cubs will look to leverage their favorite status and home advantage to clinch the series. Given the team's track record, the tight competition is expected to bring out the best from both lineups. Bellinger’s and Happ’s proficiency at the plate will be under scrutiny, while the Cardinals will bank on Burleson and Arenado to maintain their hitting prowess.