The St. Louis Cardinals are on a roll, having secured three consecutive series victories, including wins against postseason favorites like the Yankees, Rockies, and Phillies. As they prepare to face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Cardinals are determined to keep their playoff hopes alive. The series kicks off on Friday with an Apple TV afternoon game and concludes on Sunday on ABC.
With 41 games remaining in the season, both teams are in the thick of the playoff race. The Cubs, as expected, are firmly in the mix, while the Cardinals continue to exceed preseason projections. A strong finish to the season could see the Cardinals surpass their predicted 67-win total, keeping their postseason dreams alive.
Key Matchups and Pitching Showdowns
The series features several intriguing pitching matchups. In the opening game, Matthew Liberatore will take the mound for the Cardinals against Clay Holmes of the Cubs. Liberatore, the Opening Day starter, has had a challenging season but showed promise in his last outing. However, he will need to maintain consistency to secure a spot in next year’s rotation.
Game two pits Michael McGreevy against Matthew Boyd. McGreevy aims to snap a five-start winless streak, while Boyd, despite a middling ERA, has been effective against the Cardinals in the past. The final game of the series will feature Hunter Dobbins a promising young arm for the Cardinals, facing off against Cubs ace Shota Imanaga.
The Stakes for Both Teams
A series win against the Cubs would significantly boost the Cardinals’ playoff chances. Currently, they are within three games of the final Wild Card spot. With upcoming series against the Reds and Phillies, the Cardinals have a real opportunity to make a late-season push. For the Cubs, this series is another test in their quest to secure a playoff berth.
The Cardinals’ resilience and the Cubs’ consistency make this a must-watch series for baseball fans. As the dog days of summer continue, every game becomes crucial in the race for October baseball.
