Cardinals Edge Cubs in Thrilling National League Central Clash
The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) showcased resilience and determination on Saturday, notching a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59). This intense National League Central showdown kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially given the Cardinals' need to recover from losses in the first two games of the series.
Miles Mikolas, despite a season ERA of 4.99, demonstrated grit on the mound, bringing his record to an even 8-8. Mikolas' performance was a key factor in the Cardinals' success, showing that endurance and mental fortitude can often make up for numerical disadvantages in baseball.
On the Cubs' side, Justin Steele, who holds a 2-5 record with a 3.38 ERA, did his best to keep the Cardinals at bay. Despite his commendable efforts, the game tilted in favor of St. Louis, making Sunday's prime-time game on Sunday Night Baseball all the more critical. With the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on how both teams regroup and strategize for the series decider.
Bookmakers have positioned Chicago as the favorites for this final bout, setting them at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs in this decisive game is set at 9. It's worth noting that the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, a statistic that could weigh heavily on betting strategies. Conversely, the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, showcasing their strength on the road.
Cody Bellinger continues to be a standout for the Cubs, boasting a .276 batting average, with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs for the season. Bellinger's recent performance, particularly going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homer against St. Louis on Thursday, highlights his crucial role in the lineup.
Supporting Bellinger, Ian Happ brings power and consistency to the Cubs with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. Happ's recent prowess was on full display when he hit 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and two RBIs against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, a testament to his offensive capabilities.
On the Cardinals' roster, Alec Burleson has been making his presence felt with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. Burleson's contribution on July 31 against the Rangers, where he went 1-for-4 and drove in two runs, underscores his importance to the team’s offensive strategy.
Nolan Arenado also remains a formidable force for St. Louis, with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, paired with a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado's recent performance, going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday, highlights his consistent ability to deliver in clutch moments.
As we approach the much-anticipated series finale, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. The Cubs, looking to capitalize on their home field advantage, will need to bring their A-game to counter the Cardinals' momentum. Meanwhile, St. Louis aims to build on their most recent triumph and take the series with another robust team effort. The climactic showdown promises to be a riveting display of baseball at its finest, with every pitch and play carrying significant weight for the standings in the National League Central.