Chi. Cubs Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals Picks and Predictions June 15th 2024

Scrounging for Runs, Cubs Face Rematch with Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs’ offense is currently facing challenges and hitting a new low. They will try to boost their lineup on Saturday afternoon during the ongoing three-game series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, following their sixth shutout of the season.

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Recent Struggles

Offensive Woes

The Cubs’ obnoxious performance has been dismal, managing just three singles in a 3- 0 loss to the Cardinals on Friday. This continued a troubling trend, as the Cubs had averaged three runs over their former seven games, a figure that has now dropped to2.6 runs per game.

Team’s Outlook

Left- hander Justin Steele remains auspicious despite the team’s struggles, believing these tough times will eventually profit the Cubs.” All of this is going to help us in the long run,” Steele said after Thursday’s 3- 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.” It’s a long season. Down the road, I feel like we are really going( to improve) and come out better.”

Saturday’s Pitching Matchup

Shota Imanaga for the Cubs

The Cubs will send left- hander Shota Imanaga( 6- 1,1.96 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. Imanaga has been a bright spot in the rotation, winning his last outing against the Cincinnati Reds by allowing just two runs on five hits over62/3 innings. This will be Imanaga’s first career start against the Cardinals.

Andre Pallante for the Cardinals

Right- hander Andre Pallante( 2- 2,4.88 ERA) will start forSt. Louis. Pallante began the season in the bullpen but has transitioned to a starting role, where he has set up some success. In his last start, Pallante shut out the Colorado Rockies over five innings, allowing just three hits. Pallante has a solid track record against the Cubs, posting a2.41 ERA in nine career appearances( two starts).

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Cardinals’ Recent Performance

Winning Streak and crucial Players

The Cardinals are riding a three- game winning streak and have shown a flair for the dramatic. Brendan Donovan’s go- ahead solo shot in the sixth inning secured a 4- 3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. Pedro Pages followed with his first major league home run on Friday, which gave the Cardinals a 1- 0 lead in the eighth inning against the Cubs.

Manager Oliver Marmol praised Pages’ performance” He is been doing a phenomenal job. I felt like he called a really, really good game( behind the plate), he was under control, especially in this terrain. This is a delightful place to play, and he braked the game down and did a really nice job.”

Hot Streaks

Brendan Donovan has been particularly hot, putting together a nine- game hitting streak. Over this span, Donovan is 11- for- 34(.324) with a home run, four RBIs, and five runs.

The Cubs’ Cody Bellinger had his five- game hitting streak snapped on Friday, going 0- for- 4.

Series Context

Saturday marks the fourth meeting of the season between the Fledglings and Cardinals, with the Cardinals winning all three previous matchups, two of which were decided by a single run. In order to prevent a complete season loss to their division opponents and improve their luck, the Cubs must figure out how to reignite their offense.

Conclusion

Shota Imanaga’s strong performance will be crucial for the Cubs’ resurgence against the Cardinals on Saturday as they attempt to reenergize their offense. In the interim, the Cardinals plan to proceed with their series of wins with Andre Pallante on the hill. essential commitments from players like Brendan Donovan and Pedro sprinters will be crucial in deciding the result of this basic matchup.

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