In a nail-biting National League Central showdown on Saturday, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) clinched a crucial 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs (54-59). This victory not only served as a morale booster for the Cardinals but also marked their comeback after two consecutive losses in the series.
Tight Competition
Miles Mikolas, sporting an 8-8 record for the season, demonstrated his resilience on the mound despite his elevated ERA of 4.99. His gritty performance was instrumental in keeping the Cardinals competitive. On the Cubs’ side, Justin Steele's efforts, marked by a 2-5 record and a solid 3.38 ERA, showcased his dependable presence, even if it wasn't enough to secure the win for his team.
Prime Time Decider
The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the series with the final game scheduled for Sunday Night Baseball at 7:10 p.m. ET. Chicago, buoyed by the bookmakers' confidence, enters this high-stakes encounter favored at -148 on the money line. The over/under for total runs is estimated at 9, reflecting the balanced yet unpredictable nature of this matchup.
Betting Insights
Interestingly, the Cubs have seen the total runs trend towards the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have successfully covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. These betting trends add an extra layer of intrigue for fans and analysts alike, anticipating how these patterns will influence the final showdown.
Standout Performances
Cody Bellinger has been a standout performer for Chicago, boasting a .276 batting average, alongside 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. His recent form was evident on Thursday when he went 2-for-4 against St. Louis, including a double and a solo home run. Ian Happ has also made significant contributions with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-leading 62 RBIs. His performance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31—going 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and two RBIs—underscored his consistent impact.
On the Cardinals' roster, Alec Burleson has impressed with a .278 batting average, reinforced by 19 home runs and 64 RBIs. His consistent ability to drive in runs was displayed in a previous victory over the Rangers on July 31, where he had a 1-for-4 outing with two RBIs. Additionally, Nolan Arenado, with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, has been a key player. Arenado's solid performance on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, further highlighted his reliable batting presence.
Anticipating the Finale
The tension is palpable as both teams gear up for the decisive game. With each side having showcased their strengths and weaknesses, the final encounter promises to be a compelling watch for fans and neutrals alike. The Cardinals will aim to capitalize on their recent momentum, while the Cubs will look to leverage their bookmaker's backing and home-ground advantage to clinch the series.
As the first pitch awaits, all eyes will be on this classic Central Division clash, with the hope that it delivers the thrilling conclusion that this fiercely contested series deserves.