In a dramatic National League Central showdown, the St. Louis Cardinals managed to claw their way back into the series with a resilient 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. With this triumph, the Cardinals improved their record to 57-54, while the Cubs slipped to 54-59, accentuating the intensity and unpredictability of this fierce rivalry.
The Cardinals’ comeback was spearheaded by a determined performance from Miles Mikolas, who now holds an 8-8 record despite a season ERA of 4.99. Mikolas demonstrated grit on the mound, delivering crucial pitches in key moments to contain the Cubs' offense. This effort was essential in reversing the setbacks from the first two games of the series, providing a much-needed boost to his team as they vie for a playoff spot.
Justin Steele, on the other side, has had a challenging season. With a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, Steele has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to consistently provide his team with dominant outings. The Cardinals took advantage of these inconsistencies, seizing the opportunity to turn the tide in their favor.
Upcoming Decider
The stage is set for a thrilling finale in this series with the deciding game scheduled for Sunday Night Baseball. It promises to be a marquee event with the first pitch slated for 7:10 p.m. ET. Chicago enters this crucial matchup as the bookmakers' favorites, listed at -148 on the money line, highlighting their slight edge but also the high stakes for both teams.
The game’s over/under for total runs is set at 9, reflecting the offensive potential on display. Interestingly, the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, a trend that provides a nuanced perspective on their scoring capabilities at Wrigley Field. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have shown resilience on the road, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, a statistic that could play a crucial role in the outcome of the series decider.
Key Contributors
Several players have been pivotal for both teams in recent outings. Cody Bellinger, boasting a .276 batting average with 11 home runs and 42 RBI on the season, has been a significant offensive force for the Cubs. His performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis, underscores his ability to impact the game at critical moments.
Ian Happ has also been a standout for the Cubs, despite a .228 average. With 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBI, Happ's power-hitting ability provides the Cubs with a critical edge. His 3-for-4 performance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, featuring a double and a homer that drove in two runs, remains a highlight of his season.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a revelation this season. Sporting a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI, Burleson's consistency at the plate has been invaluable. His previous performance against the Rangers on July 31, where he had a 1-for-4 outing and drove in two runs, exemplifies his clutch-playing capability.
Nolan Arenado, another key player for the Cardinals, has a .266 batting average, with 11 home runs and 48 RBI. His .705 on-base percentage is a testament to his knack for getting on base and keeping innings alive for his team. Arenado’s performance on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, showcases his indispensable role in the Cardinals' lineup.
As both teams prepare for the pivotal Sunday night clash, the narratives are rich, and the stakes are high. The Cardinals will be looking to build on their momentum, while the Cubs aim to leverage their home-field advantage and favorable odds to clinch the series. With so much on the line, this game promises to be a fitting conclusion to a closely contested series, epitomizing the thrill and unpredictability of Major League Baseball.