Key Matchup Facts

• Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (NL Third) vs Chicago Cubs (NL Wild Card Contenders)
• Pitchers: Sonny Gray (Cardinals) vs Soth Iman (Cubs)
• Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
• Bet Odds: Win Cardinals -2.01, Total (8.5) -1.61

Pitchee Re-cap

The Cardinals, currently sitting in third place, are looking to close the gap with the division leaders. Despite recent home struggles, they’ll send Sonny Gray (10-5, 4.21 ERA) to the mound.

The Cubs, five games back from the NL Central lead, aim to keep their wild card hopes alive with Shote Iman (8-4, 3.12 ERA) on the mound.

“Cardinals” have been fluctuating wins and losses, with the Cubs also enduring a bumpy road. In their last meeting, the Cardinals blanked the Cubs 5-0.

Expert Analysis

“Cardinals’ home instability might continue, but with a strong pitcher choice for this game, there’s potential for another victory. Cubs’ inconsistency and the last meeting’s outcome hint towards a similar result. A safe bet could be ‘Win Cardinals’ at 2.01.

247sports.news

Expect a low-scoring game based on recent trends: the Cardinals had nine or fewer runs in their last seven home games, while the Cubs had the same total in their last eight away games.

Bet Slip

• Win Cardinals -2.01
• Total (8.5) Over -1.61

Did You Know?

The Cubs’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot stands at 13. A series win in St. Louis could significant reduce it.

Pro Tip

Keep an eye on Cubs’ RF Ian Happ. He’s been on fire with a .303/.374/.542 line in his last 30 games.

FAQs

Q: Who are the leaders in the NL Central?

A: The Milwaukee Brewers are currently in first place, followed by the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.

Q: What are the Cubs’ playoff chances?

A: As of now, the Cubs have an 86% chance to make the playoffs, according to FanGraphs.

Conclusion

Sunday’s game is a must-win for the Cubs, not just in their quest to catch the Brewers, but also to fend off other contenders for the NL’s second wild card spot. The Cardinals, however, are not keen to let go of their lead either. It promises to be an exciting matchup!

Next Up

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