Overview

• Cardinals pitching staff produced a shutout in Game 1, led by Michael McGreevy’s six scoreless innings and three relievers closing out the win.
• St. Louis’s Nos. 5-9 hitters combined for four runs on 9-for-19 hitting, including a solo homer by Jordan Walker, to fuel the opener.
• Chicago entered the series with a 66-48 record and an eight-game lead over the 58-58 Cardinals in the NL Central standings.
• Chicago opened as a -160 favorite before suffering the shutout loss, reflecting market confidence in its strong midseason form.
• Game 2 pitching matchups will feature Cubs’ Colin Rea (8-5, 4.23 ERA) against Cardinals’ Andre Pallante (6-8, 4.57 ERA) as Chicago looks to avoid a series deficit.