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Cubs' Ian Happ and Cardinals Set for Showdown at Busch Stadium

First Inning


As the Cubs prepare to face off against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, all eyes will be on Ian Happ, the Cubs' left fielder, who has been in stellar form. Over the last three games, Happ has consistently delivered impressive performances. In the game against the Mariners on June 21st, he showcased his batting prowess with a remarkable .500 average and an outstanding OPS of 2.6. His ability to drive in runs was evident as he contributed four RBIs in that match alone.


Jul 13, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) slides into home to score off a single from third baseman Nolan Arenado (not pictured) against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, on the Cardinals' side, third baseman Nolan Arenado has been a formidable force. In their recent game against the White Sox on June 19th, Arenado's batting average soared to .600 with an OPS of 1.8. His power-hitting capabilities were on full display as he hit a home run and drove in two runs.


Second Inning


The Cubs' pitching lineup will play a crucial role in this matchup. Starting pitcher Matthew Boyd has shown promise with a respectable ERA of 3.6 and WHIP of 0.8 during his outing against the Mariners on June 20th. His ability to strike out batters is noteworthy, averaging 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings.


Jul 13, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) is out at first from St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

On the other hand, Cardinals' pitcher Sonny Gray has been equally impressive with an ERA of 1.8 and WHIP of 1.4 in his recent appearance against the Reds on June 21st. Gray's knack for keeping hitters off balance will be vital for the Cardinals as they aim to stifle the Cubs' offensive threats.


Third Inning


Infielders Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch have also been key contributors for the Cubbies over their last few games. Swanson's performance against the Brewers on June 19th was exceptional; he maintained a batting average of .667 and an OPS of 2.417, hitting three home runs during that stretch.


Jul 13, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) throw against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

For Busch, his consistent fielding coupled with a solid batting average of .750 in their game against Seattle on June 20th makes him another player to watch closely.


Fourth Inning


The Redbirds will rely heavily on Alec Burleson at first base and Lars Nootbaar in left field to counteract Chicago's firepower. Burleson's consistent hitting yielded a .400 average across multiple games while Nootbaar's clutch performances have kept St Louis competitive.


Relief pitchers like Brad Keller from Chicago have proven effective; Keller boasted an ERA of zero with a WHIP under one during his last outing – figures that could tip scales favorably if replicated here again today!


Fifth Inning


Looking ahead into this pivotal clash between these two teams steeped rich history: It’ll be interesting see how both managers strategize utilizing bullpen depth late innings where games often decided closely contested affairs such high stakes involved postseason implications looming large horizon!


Fans can catch all action live when it unfolds Monday evening (June23rd) starting promptly at local time zone broadcast exclusively via MARQ network direct from scenic downtown Saint Louis’ iconic venue renowned worldwide hosting memorable sporting events throughout decades past present alike!


Don’t miss chance witness firsthand potential fireworks unfold before your very eyes! Share article friends family ensure nobody misses thrilling encounter promises deliver unforgettable moments guaranteed keep everyone edge seats until final pitch thrown swung upon decisive conclusion reached ultimately determining victor emerges victorious end day!

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