The St. Louis Cardinals clinched a much-needed win in a tightly-contested National League Central showdown, edging out the Chicago Cubs 5-4 on Saturday. This victory followed two tough losses, marking a significant rebound for the Cardinals who now hold a 57-54 record, while the Cubs lag behind at 54-59.
The Cardinals showcased resilience after their early series setbacks, with Miles Mikolas delivering a determined performance on the mound. Mikolas, moving to an 8-8 record, showed fortitude despite an ERA of 4.99 for the season. On the opposing side, Justin Steele's figures include a 2-5 record and a 3.38 ERA, reflecting his own challenges this season.
With the series finale scheduled for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, anticipation is high for the decisive game, set to commence at 7:10 p.m. ET. Bookmakers have positioned the Cubs as favorites, listing them at -148 on the money line, with the over/under for total runs pegged at 9. Despite being underdogs, the Cardinals will be hoping to leverage their recent upswing in form to seal the series.
Key Players and Performance
Cody Bellinger remains a critical asset for the Cubs with his .276 batting average, complemented by 11 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. His performance on Thursday—going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis—highlights his potential impact in any game. Meanwhile, Ian Happ, another notable Cub, has recorded a .228 average with 17 home runs and a team-high of 62 RBIs. Happ’s notable contribution included a 3-for-4 outing with a double and a homer, driving in two runs against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson’s statistics are notable with a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. His ability to influence games was evident in a previous win over the Rangers on July 31, where he drove in two runs despite a 1-for-4 performance at the plate. Nolan Arenado’s contributions also cannot be overlooked, maintaining a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs alongside a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado continued to be a consistent performer, going 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday.
Trends and Predictions
Looking at trends, the Cubs have consistently seen the total runs hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, painting a picture of their conservative scoring patterns at Wrigley Field. Conversely, the Cardinals have shown a strong tendency to cover the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, highlighting their fighting spirit away from home.
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown on Sunday, with both teams eager to assert dominance in the competitive NL Central. With the Cubs entering as favorites and the Cardinals riding the momentum from Saturday’s win, baseball fans are in for a gripping finale to this series.