In a thrilling turnaround, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) secured a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) in a crucial National League Central matchup on Saturday. This win allowed the Cardinals to shake off the frustrations of losing the first two games in the series, sparking fresh hope in their playoff aspirations.
Pivotal Performance by Mikolas
Miles Mikolas played a vital role in the Cardinals' success, delivering a gritty performance on the mound. Despite his season ERA hovering at 4.99, Mikolas demonstrated resilience under pressure, improving his record to 8-8. His efforts provided the Cardinals with the stability they needed to edge past their divisional rivals.
Justin Steele's Season Overview
On the other side of the contest, Justin Steele's season continued to see mixed results. With a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, Steele has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to find consistent success. The Cubs will hope for a more reliable performance from Steele as the season progresses.
High Stakes for the Deciding Game
The series will conclude in a highly-anticipated prime-time clash on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Entering this final game, the Cubs have been listed as favorites by bookmakers, clocking in at -148 on the money line. However, the Cardinals have shown themselves to be formidable opponents, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games.
Adding to the intrigue, the over/under for total runs in this decisive showdown is pegged at 9. Historically, the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, which could be a critical factor for bettors analyzing the match-up.
Spotlight on Key Players
One player who has consistently delivered for the Cubs is Cody Bellinger. With a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs this season, Bellinger has been a reliable cornerstone for Chicago. His recent performance against St. Louis, where he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run, underscores his importance to the team.
Ian Happ has also been a standout performer, recording a .228 batting average, alongside 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBIs. On July 31, Happ showcased his talents against the Cincinnati Reds, going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs and providing a glimpse of his offensive prowess.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a key contributor, boasting a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. In a previous win against the Rangers, Burleson’s 1-for-4 outing with two RBIs highlighted his ability to deliver in clutch situations.
Nolan Arenado has also been essential to the Cardinals' campaign, with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs. Arenado's consistent performance, featuring a .705 on-base percentage, was evident in his recent game where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI against the Cubs.
Final Thoughts
As the Cardinals and Cubs prepare for the decisive game of their series, all eyes will be on the players who have defined their seasons thus far. With bookmakers favoring the Cubs and the Cardinals finding form on the road, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to this National League Central clash.
The respective performances of Mikolas, Steele, Bellinger, Happ, Burleson, and Arenado are bound to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this pivotal game. Fans will be eagerly tuning in to see which team can capitalize on their current momentum and secure a vital win.