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The Cardinals vs Cubs rivalry intensifies as the two teams meet at Wrigley Field for a crucial three-game series. With the playoffs just around the corner, both teams have much at stake, especially the Chicago Cubs, who are looking to clinch their spot in the Wild Card series.
A Thrilling Matchup Awaits: Key Insights on Cardinals vs Cubs
As of now, the Cubs need to win just two out of their remaining three games against the Cardinals to secure home-field advantage in the upcoming Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres. After a hard-fought loss in their last game, the Cubs are determined to bounce back and finish strong.
Offensive Highlights and Magic Numbers
Recently, the Cubs have demonstrated their offensive prowess, scoring at least five runs in their last three games—something that hasn’t occurred frequently this season. The magic number to clinch home field advantage remains at 2, maintaining the pressure on the Cubs as the regular season nears its end.
Home Runs and Their Impact
Despite a disappointing outcome in their previous game where they hit three home runs, the Cubs have an impressive record of 22-4 when hitting three or more long balls in a game. Their consistency in the batter’s box will be crucial in the upcoming contest against the Cardinals.
Pitching Matchup: Colin Rea vs. Miles Mikolas
In today’s game, Colin Rea is set to pitch for the Cubs. He comes off his best start of the season, allowing only one run with a career-high 11 strikeouts against the Reds. Rea’s previous performances against the Cardinals have been solid, with a 1.42 ERA over his two starts against them this year. If he can replicate that form, the Cubs have a great chance of victory.
On the opposing side, Miles Mikolas, possibly making his last major league start, faces a critical moment in his career. While he hasn’t had a standout season overall, Mikolas has shown improvement in his last five starts with a 2.77 ERA. His experience will be vital for the Cardinals as they struggle to find their footing late in the season.
Attendance and Fan Engagement
Fans are eagerly anticipating this series, and there’s an exciting possibility the Cubs might cross the three million tickets sold mark, something they haven’t achieved since 2019. To achieve this milestone, they need to average 31,053 fans per game this weekend against their historic rivals.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake in this Series?
As the series progresses, both teams will aim to not only assert dominance over the rivalry but also solidify their respective positions in the postseason landscape. For the Cubs, securing home-field advantage is paramount, and a strong showing in this series will not only energize their fan base but could also serve as a springboard into October baseball.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the Cardinals vs Cubs saga. The rivalry is deep-rooted, and the stakes have never been higher as both teams vie for glory in this climactic series. Fans can only hope for a competitive showdown filled with electric moments on the field.
FAQ
1. When is the next Cardinals vs Cubs game?
The next game is scheduled for today, where the Cubs will host the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
2. What’s the significance of this series?
This series is critical for the Cubs, as they aim to clinch home-field advantage for the Wild Card series in the playoffs.
3. How are the Cubs performing recently?
The Cubs have shown offensive improvement, scoring over five runs consistently in their last few games, but are looking to bounce back from a recent loss.
4. Who are the starting pitchers?
The starting pitcher for the Cubs is Colin Rea, while the Cardinals will start Miles Mikolas.
5. What are the attendance expectations for this series?
The Cubs need to average over 31,000 fans per game this weekend to reach three million tickets sold for the season.
