Cardinals' Nolan Arenado Poised to Shine Against Cubs at Busch Stadium

First Inning

As the Cardinals prepare to host the Cubs at Busch Stadium, fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting matchup. With both teams showcasing some impressive talent in recent games, this contest promises to be a thrilling affair. The Cardinals have shown resilience and skill, particularly with standout performances from third baseman Nolan Arenado. Over the last three games, Arenado has been a force at the plate, boasting an impressive .600 batting average and a staggering 1.8 OPS in their game against the White Sox. His ability to deliver under pressure will be crucial for the Redbirds as they face off against their rivals.

On the mound, Steven Matz has been working hard to keep opponents at bay. Despite a challenging ERA of 16.2 in one of his recent outings against the Reds, his potential remains evident with a K/9 rate of 5.4. If Matz can find his rhythm early on, he could provide a solid foundation for the Cards' defense.

Middle Innings

The middle innings will likely see key contributions from other Cardinals players as well. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar has demonstrated consistency with his fielding skills, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage in two of his last three games. His offensive stats are equally promising; he recorded a .500 average and an OPS of 1.25 against the Reds on June 20th.

Meanwhile, Cubs' center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is another player to watch closely. He delivered an outstanding performance with a .500 batting average and an OPS of 2.0 in their recent game against the Mariners on June 21st. His ability to impact both offensively and defensively makes him a formidable opponent for the Cardinals.

Late Innings

As we move into the late innings, expect Nolan Gorman to step up for St. Louis. Although Gorman's overall batting average may not be eye-catching at first glance, he has shown flashes of brilliance with timely hits and solid defensive plays.

For Chicago, Ian Happ stands out as a key player who can turn the tide in favor of the Cubbies during these critical moments. Happ's consistent hitting prowess was evident when he achieved an OPS of 2.6 along with four RBIs against Seattle recently.

Both teams have strong bullpens that could play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of this game—especially if it remains close heading into those final innings.

Conclusion

With so much talent on display from both sides, this upcoming clash between division rivals is set up perfectly for baseball enthusiasts everywhere! Whether you're rooting for your favorite team or just enjoy watching top-tier athletes compete head-to-head—this matchup should not disappoint!

Catch all live action when St Louis Cardinals take on Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium on June 23rd at 7:45 PM ET broadcasted by MARQ network! Don't miss out—share this article now so others can join you in experiencing what promises to be another memorable chapter within one storied rivalry!