In a dramatic National League Central clash, the St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) emerged victorious with a thrilling 5-4 win against the Chicago Cubs (54-59) on Saturday. This crucial victory allowed the Cardinals to exorcize the demons of their earlier setbacks in the series, setting the stage for a pulsating finale in the best-of-three matchup.
Miles Mikolas, despite his season ERA of 4.99, demonstrated commendable tenacity to secure the win. With this outing, Mikolas brings his record to an even 8-8 for the season. On the opposing side, Justin Steele, who holds a 2-5 record and a more impressive 3.38 ERA, could not clinch the win for the Cubs.
Prime Time Showdown
The climax of the series is poised for prime time on Sunday Night Baseball, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cubs, entering this decisive game, are favored by bookmakers with a money line of -148. Meanwhile, the over/under for total runs has been set at 9, reflecting the anticipated intensity of the encounter.
Betting Trends and Player Performances
For those tracking betting trends, it's noteworthy that the Cubs' total runs have hit the Under in 25 of their last 38 home games. In contrast, the Cardinals have showcased resilience on the road, covering the run line in nine of their last 11 away games.
Individually, players have made striking contributions. Cody Bellinger, who boasts a .276 batting average with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs, has been a solid performer for the Cubs. On Thursday, Bellinger had an impressive outing, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run against the Cardinals.
Complementing Bellinger's efforts, Ian Happ has also been a standout with a .228 average and a team-leading 62 RBIs, supported by his 17 home runs. Happ recently had a stellar performance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, going 3-for-4 with a double and a home run, driving in two runs.
For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson has been a consistent hitter with a .278 batting average, contributing 19 home runs and 64 RBIs. Notably, Burleson had a 1-for-4 outing, driving in two runs, in a previous win over the Rangers on July 31. Nolan Arenado has also been a key player with a .266 average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs, with an on-base percentage of .705. Arenado went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI in their recent win.
Conclusion
As the Cardinals and Cubs prepare for the highly-anticipated final game, fans can expect a hard-fought battle. The momentum could swing in either direction, with betting odds favoring the Cubs and recent performances fortifying both teams' resolve. The stage is set for an enthralling finish to this National League Central series, and baseball enthusiasts will undoubtedly be glued to their screens as these two rivals face off one last time.