The St. Louis Cardinals managed to stave off a series sweep with a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs in a high-stakes National League Central clash on Saturday. This much-needed win allowed the Cardinals, with a season standing at 57-54, to shake off the disappointments from the first two games of the series, while the Cubs' record fell to 54-59.
Performance Under Pressure
Miles Mikolas gave a gritty performance on the mound for the Cardinals. Despite his season ERA standing at 4.99, Mikolas achieved his eighth win of the season, balancing his record at 8-8. In contrast, Justin Steele, pitching for the Cubs, now holds a 2-5 record with a 3.38 ERA.
The atmosphere is set to be electrifying for the deciding game on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Bookmakers have listed Chicago as the favorites at -148 on the money line for this crucial encounter, with an over/under of nine total runs.
Statistics and Betting Trends
For those keeping an eye on betting trends, it's notable that the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. On the other hand, the Cardinals have momentum on their side, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games.
Key Players to Watch
Cody Bellinger continues to be a key player for the Cubs. With a .276 batting average, alongside 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season, Bellinger has been a consistent performer. On Thursday, he went 2-for-4, including a double and a solo home run against the Cardinals.
Another standout player is Ian Happ, who brings both power and consistency with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. His performance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, where he went 3-for-4 with a double and a homer driving in two runs, is a testament to his prowess at the plate.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been impressive, achieving a .278 batting average with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs this season. Burleson had a noteworthy performance against the Rangers on July 31, where he drove in two runs, going 1-for-4 at the plate.
Veteran player Nolan Arenado also remains pivotal for St. Louis. With a .266 batting average, complemented by 11 home runs and 48 RBIs, he has been a reliable performer. Arenado showcased his skills once again on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI.
Looking Ahead
The stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling conclusion to this series. Both teams are prepared to give it their all under the bright lights of prime-time baseball. With the Cubs entering the decisive game as the bookmakers' favorites and the Cardinals looking to capitalize on their recent victory, fans are undoubtedly in for a treat.
Whatever the outcome, Saturday’s game has already set a high bar for excitement and drama, leaving all eyes fixed firmly on Sunday night to see which team will emerge victorious in this compelling National League Central showdown.