The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) managed to rebound in spectacular fashion on Saturday, securing a heart-pounding 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs (54-59) in a crucial National League Central clash. This hard-fought win comes as a much-needed respite for the Cardinals, who had struggled in the first two games of the series.
Though his season ERA stands at 4.99, Miles Mikolas (8-8) displayed remarkable resilience on the mound, contributing a gritty performance to help his team back onto a winning trajectory. The Cubs’ Justin Steele, in contrast, holds a 2-5 record and a commendable 3.38 ERA, setting the stage for a high-stakes series finale.
The decisive game is anticipated to be a prime-time spectacle, with Sunday Night Baseball's first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Entering this final clash, Chicago is favored by bookmakers, listed at -148 on the money line. Bettors also have their eyes on the over/under for total runs in this game, which is set at 9.
Betting Trends and Key Players
Recent betting trends reveal some intriguing patterns. The Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games, while the Cardinals have covered the run line in nine of their last 11 away games, suggesting a tight contest lies ahead.
Among the standout players, Cody Bellinger has been consistent with a .276 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBI this season. Bellinger shone brightly on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against St. Louis. Meanwhile, Ian Happ has emerged as a vital cog for the Cubs, boasting a .228 average, 17 home runs, and a team-high 62 RBI. His performance on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and two RBIs, underscores his offensive prowess.
On the Cardinals’ side, Alec Burleson has showcased his hitting ability with a .278 average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. Burleson played a key role in a previous victory over the Rangers on July 31, driving in two runs with a 1-for-4 outing. Additionally, Nolan Arenado remains a stalwart in the lineup with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBI, complemented by a .705 on-base percentage. Arenado's recent performance against the Cubs, where he went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI on Thursday, highlights his consistent contribution.
Looking Forward
As the series draws to a close, both teams will be eager to clinch victory in the final game. Cardinals' fans are counting on their team to build on Saturday's win and carry that momentum forward. With the Cubs entering the game as favorites, tension and excitement are bound to escalate as these division rivals duke it out under the lights of Sunday Night Baseball.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and both teams will be keen to capitalize on their strengths and rectify their shortcomings. Baseball enthusiasts can expect an electrifying showdown as these storied franchises vie for supremacy.