Game Details
Major League Baseball is staging a momentous game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, on 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, as Willie Mays made his professional debut there in 1948. Willie Mays passed away earlier this week.Game Summary
Who: Giants vs. 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: 90
Storylines
The Giants
The San Francisco Giants enter this game with a mixed record. They have lost four of their last six games and currently hold a 36-39 record, placing them one game out of the third NL wild-card spot. Keaton Winn had a promising start to the season with three solid outings in April, but he has struggled significantly since then. He has posted a dismal 13.02 ERA across his last five starts, although he did manage a quality start in his most recent outing against the Angels.The Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Recently, they rose above .500 for the first time since early in the season. However, they experienced back-to-back walk-off losses against the Miami Marlins. The Cardinals hold a 36-37 record and are 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. They are tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots. Andre Pallante started the season as a reliever but has since transitioned to the rotation. In his four starts so far, he averages just 4 1/3 innings per start with a 3.63 ERA. His last outing saw him throw just 59 pitches, which could put additional strain on the Cardinals' bullpen.Prediction
Major League Baseball is expected to have a poignant pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays. These tributes are likely to 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. While the ballpark's characteristics remain somewhat enigmatic, 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 are likely to 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.