The St. Louis Cardinals staged a dramatic comeback with a 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs in a pivotal National League Central matchup on Saturday. This victory improved the Cardinals' record to 57-54 while the Cubs fell to 54-59, adding intensity to the rivalry.
After dropping the first two games of the series, the Cardinals needed a revitalizing win. Miles Mikolas stepped up when it counted, displaying resilience despite carrying a season ERA of 4.99. Mikolas' performance brings his record to an even 8-8, showcasing the gritty determination that has become his hallmark this season.
Mikolas vs. Steele
On the other side, Justin Steele pitched commendably, maintaining an ERA of 3.38 despite holding a 2-5 record. His solid statistics underscore the dichotomy of personal performance versus team outcomes. Steele’s contributions were notable, yet they were not enough to push the Cubs over the finish line.
Prime Time Showdown
As the teams gear up for the deciding game on Sunday Night Baseball, the stakes are high. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET, with bookmakers favoring the Cubs at -148 on the money line. This final game of the series promises to be a riveting contest, particularly with the over/under for total runs set at 9.
Interestingly, the Cubs have often played lower-scoring games at home, with the total runs hitting the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. Conversely, the Cardinals have been dominant on the road, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games. These statistics add an extra layer of intrigue and unpredictability to Sunday night's showdown.
Key Performers
Individually, several players have been making significant impacts. Cody Bellinger has been a consistent presence at the plate for Chicago, boasting a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs. Bellinger’s performance on Thursday was especially noteworthy as he went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis.
Ian Happ has also been crucial for the Cubs, despite his .228 average. His power numbers tell a different story, with 17 home runs and a team-leading 62 RBIs. On July 31, Happ was instrumental in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer, driving in two runs.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a standout performer. The slugger is hitting .278 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs this season. In a win over the Rangers on July 31, Burleson had a key 1-for-4 outing, driving in two runs to help secure the victory.
Nolan Arenado continues to be a vital component of the Cardinals' lineup, hitting .266 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs. His on-base percentage of .705 further highlights his ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities for his team. Arenado's recent performance against Chicago on Thursday, where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, demonstrated his capability to produce in clutch moments.
The conclusion of this series will not only impact the win-loss columns but could also have long-term ramifications for both teams as they push toward the postseason. With star performers on both sides and a backdrop of high stakes, Sunday’s game holds all the makings of a memorable battle at the ballpark.