In a thrilling National League Central encounter, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) bounced back with a nail-biting 5-4 triumph over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. After struggling in the first two games of the series, the Cardinals displayed resilience, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated final showdown.
Miles Mikolas' Gritty Performance
Miles Mikolas (8-8) exemplified toughness on the mound, delivering a performance that outpaced his season ERA of 4.99. Despite a challenging campaign, Mikolas' tenacity played a crucial role in this pivotal win.
Decisive Moments and Players
The Cardinals' victory came on the back of key contributions from their lineup. Alec Burleson, boasting a .278 batting average with 19 home runs and 64 RBI, continued his impressive run. His 1-for-4 outing, driving in two runs, was instrumental in the Cardinals' success against the Cubs. In a prior win over the Rangers on July 31, Burleson had already demonstrated his clutch abilities.
Veteran slugger Nolan Arenado, with a .266 batting average, chipped in with a consistent performance, going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI. His .705 on-base percentage underscores his value to the team, especially during critical matchups.
Cubs' Standout Players
For the Cubs, Cody Bellinger and Ian Happ continued to be focal points. Bellinger, with a respectable .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBI this season, showed his prowess. In Thursday's encounter with St. Louis, he went 2-for-4, including a double and a solo home run, illustrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Ian Happ, with a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-best 62 RBI, also made significant contributions. His 3-for-4 performance, including a double and a homer against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, highlights his capacity to influence games in favor of the Cubs.
Looking Ahead to the Deciding Game
The series finale promises to be an electrifying contest, set for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball with a first pitch at 7:10 p.m. ET. The bookmakers have installed Chicago as the favorites with a -148 money line, reflecting the high stakes of the encounter. The over/under for total runs is set at 9, a testament to the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Historically, the Cubs have seen the total runs hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, an interesting statistic for the betting community. Conversely, the Cardinals have displayed a knack for covering the run line, achieving this in nine of their last 11 away games, which may sway the predictions and expectations for this critical face-off.
On the mound for Chicago, Justin Steele will be a key figure. Steele, with a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, will look to stymie the Cardinals' batting lineup and propel his team to a series-clinching victory. His performance could be the X-factor in what is bound to be a tightly contested game.
As the Cardinals and Cubs prepare to clash one final time in this series, fans are eagerly awaiting an intense and dramatic conclusion. With standout performances from key players on both sides and everything to play for, Sunday night's game is shaping up to be a memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.