Game Details
Major League Baseball is staging a momentous game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday night. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals will face off in a regular-season game at the historic ballpark. Rickwood Field holds a special place in baseball history, as it's where Willie Mays made his professional debut in 1948. Sadly, Willie Mays passed away earlier this week. The event will undoubtedly include a poignant tribute to his legacy.Game Summary
Who: Giants vs. CardinalsDate: Thursday, June 20
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Rickwood Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
Probable Pitchers: RHP Keaton Winn (3-7, 6.66 ERA) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (2-3, 4.61 ERA)
Odds: SF -115 | STL -105
Over/Under: 90
Storylines
The Giants
The San Francisco Giants enter this game with a mixed record, having lost four of their last six games. They currently stand at 36-39, only one game out of the third NL wild-card spot. Keaton Winn, who had a promising start to the season, has struggled mightily as of late. After finishing April with three solid outings, he has posted a staggering 13.02 ERA across his last five starts. However, he managed a quality start in his last outing against the Angels, which the Giants hope is a sign of turning things around.The Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. After rising above .500 for the first time since early in the season, the Cardinals had two consecutive walk-off losses to the Miami Marlins. They currently have a 36-37 record and are 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. They are tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots. Andre Pallante, who began the season as a reliever, transitioned to the rotation and has made only four starts so far. He averages just 4 1/3 innings per start with a 3.63 ERA. His last outing saw him throw just 59 pitches, which could strain the Cardinals' bullpen if he cannot go deeper into the game.Prediction
Major League Baseball will likely have a pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays, which will strike an emotional chord and set a reverent tone for the evening. The sweltering weather in Birmingham is expected to make Rickwood Field a hitter-friendly environment. With the ballpark's characteristics remaining somewhat of an enigma, the conditions seem to suggest a high-scoring affair. Given the subpar form of both starting pitchers and the taxed bullpens, a slugfest is anticipated. Fans should expect fireworks as both teams aim to capitalize on favorable hitting conditions.Prediction: Giants 8, Cardinals 7
"Major League Baseball is sure to put together a poignant pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays.”