Game Details
Major League Baseball is staging a momentous game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, this Thursday night. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals will face off in a regular-season game at the historic ballpark. Rickwood Field holds a special place in baseball history, most notably as the site where Willie Mays made his professional debut in 1948. Sadly, Willie Mays passed away earlier this week, which is likely to add emotional weight to the evening’s proceedings.Game Summary
Who: San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis CardinalsDate: Thursday, June 20
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Rickwood Field, Birmingham, Alabama
Probable Pitchers: RHP Keaton Winn (3-7, 6.66 ERA) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (2-3, 4.61 ERA)
Odds: SF -115 | STL -105
Over/Under: 9.0
Storylines
The Giants
The San Francisco Giants come into this game with a mixed record, having lost four of their last six games. They sit at 36-39, just one game out of the third NL wild-card spot. Keaton Winn, who had a promising start to the season, finishing April with three solid outings, has struggled mightily since. He has posted a 13.02 ERA across his last five starts but managed a quality start in his most recent outing against the Angels. Winn’s performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this highly-anticipated game.The Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They recently rose above .500 for the first time since early in the season but suffered two consecutive walk-off losses to the Miami Marlins. They currently hold a 36-37 record and are 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. They are also tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots. Andre Pallante, who started the season as a reliever, has transitioned to the rotation. He has made only four starts so far, averaging just 4 1/3 innings per start with a 3.63 ERA. His last outing saw him throw just 59 pitches, which could put a strain on the Cardinals' bullpen.Prediction
Major League Baseball is expected to have a pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays. Such tributes will strike an emotional chord and set a reverent tone for the evening. The sweltering weather in Birmingham should make Rickwood Field a hitter-friendly environment. Although the ballpark's characteristics remain an enigma, the conditions suggest a high-scoring affair. Given the subpar form of both starting pitchers and the taxed bullpens, a slugfest is anticipated. Expect fireworks as both teams capitalize on favorable hitting conditions.Prediction: Giants 8, Cardinals 7
Major League Baseball is sure to put together a poignant pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays, adding a layer of solemn respect to what promises to be an exciting and emotionally charged game.