The highly anticipated matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs on July 21 promises to be an exciting game for baseball fans. Both teams have a rich history and a strong rivalry, making this game even more intriguing. In this article, we will analyze the Cardinals vs Cubs matchup, including probable pitchers, picks, and odds.
Probable Pitchers:
The Cardinals are likely to start their ace pitcher, Jack Flaherty. Flaherty has been in excellent form this season, boasting an impressive 2.90 ERA and striking out 115 batters in just over 100 innings pitched. His dominant performances have been crucial for the Cardinals’ success.
On the other hand, the Cubs will probably send Kyle Hendricks to the mound. Hendricks has been a consistent force for the Cubs, maintaining a solid 3.68 ERA and recording 97 strikeouts so far this season. While not as flashy as Flaherty, Hendricks relies on his precision and control to keep opposing hitters off balance.
Analysis:
When it comes to offense, both teams have potent lineups that can cause trouble for opposing pitchers. The Cardinals have a strong core of hitters, including Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, who have consistently delivered throughout the season. The Cubs, led by Kris Bryant and Javier Báez, also possess a formidable lineup that can produce runs in a hurry.
Defensively, the Cardinals have the edge with their stellar outfielders and solid infield defense. Their outfield trio of Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson, and Tyler O’Neill has been exceptional in tracking down fly balls and preventing extra-base hits. Meanwhile, the Cubs’ defense has been somewhat inconsistent, which could be a factor in this matchup.
In terms of recent form, both teams have had their ups and downs. The Cardinals have been slightly more consistent, winning six of their last ten games. The Cubs, on the other hand, have struggled a bit, winning only four of their last ten. However, it’s important to note that in baseball, momentum can shift quickly, and any team is capable of turning things around on any given day.
Picks and Odds:
Predicting the outcome of a baseball game is always challenging, as anything can happen on the field. However, based on the probable pitchers and recent form, the Cardinals might have a slight advantage in this matchup. Flaherty’s dominance on the mound combined with the Cardinals’ solid offense and defense could give them an edge over the Cubs.
As for the odds, sportsbooks currently have the Cardinals as favorites with a moneyline of -150, indicating that they are expected to win. The Cubs, as underdogs, have a moneyline of +130. These odds reflect the general consensus among bookmakers and bettors, but it’s important to remember that they are not guarantees.
In conclusion, the Cardinals vs Cubs matchup on July 21 promises to be an exciting game between two storied franchises. With strong pitching, potent offenses, and solid defenses on both sides, it’s difficult to predict the outcome with certainty. However, based on probable pitchers and recent form, the Cardinals seem to have a slight advantage. Ultimately, it will come down to which team executes better on the day of the game.
