The second of a three-game series tonight between these teams will determine if they are tied atop the division, or if the Cardinals will have a two-game lead. It has been quite the race atop the NL Central, between these squads and the Milwaukee Brewers too. Chicago could make a few moves at Wednesday’s deadline to try and finalize the roster that will help them chase a second ring in the past four years. Their title was one of the most fun to watch of any team who claimed the World Series in the past decade.
The Cardinals have been aided by a scorching hot Paul Goldschmidt and a pitching staff that has finally started to do what it is capable of. They are a strong bunch who have their aspirations for qualifying for a playoff spot. The possibilities of actually making a run into late October remains, if they can just qualify. You never know what could happen in this game.
The moneyline on the Cubs is -112, while it is at -103 for the Cardinals.
Cubs Need A Win
A win tonight for the Cubs will move them into a tie atop the division with the Cardinals. Anthony Rizzo is leading the way with 71 RBI, batting .283 to date. They added catcher Martin Maldonado last week, and in four starts, he’s failed to record a hit in 11 at-bats. Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber, and Kris Bryant, along with the aforementioned Rizzo, are all over the 20 home run mark and look to join the 2006 White Sox, having four players with at least 30 long balls. They have plenty of pop in the lineup and a starting rotation that’s figuring things out.
Kyle Hendricks will take the mound for his 20th start. He has posted a 7-8 record with a 3.26 ERA in 113 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 100 batters while walking 25 and has the only Cubs shutout pitched this year.
Cardinals Look To Widen Lead
Paul Goldschmidt has continued with his path of hitting a home run nearly every single game, hitting his seventh in eight games Tuesday night and bringing his total up to 25 and his average up to .258. While Marcell Ozuna has been sitting on IL along with Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter, Goldschmidt and Paul DeJong have been leading the offense. Carlos Martinez has come in and done a solid job as the closer, pitching well against the Astros over the weekend. They have solid pitchers from top to bottom too, in the rest of the bullpen.
Miles Mikolas will make his 22nd start of the season tonight. He has posted a 7-10 record with a 4.19 ERA in 120 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 87 batters while walking 20. Mikolas has STL’s only complete game.
Cardinals Claim Their 58th Win
Bet on Mikolas! Miles’ strong outing will help the Cardinals to take a two-game lead over the Cubs. Dexter Fowler will launch his 13th HR of the year in the win.
Free Play: Cardinals -103
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