With the best-of-five NLDS between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs tied at one game apiece, Game 3 will leave the winner taking control of the series. If the Cubs are victorious, the team would have a 2-1 lead with Game 4 being played at home. If the Cardinals find a way to beat Jake Arrieta, then this series will be guaranteed to go back to St. Louis for a Game 5, but the Cardinals could also end the series in Game 4 on the road. Here are five bold predictions for this massive game between two division rivals.
Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
5. Starlin Castro Will Have 2 Hits And Drive In A Run
Getty ImagesCastro is 10-for-22 career against Cardinals' starter Michael Wacha. Although he's struggled going 2-for-11 through his first three playoff games, sometimes all it takes is to face a pitcher you're comfortable against to get going.
4. Jason Heyward Will Collect Multiple Hits And A Stolen Base
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Heyward is the lone Cardinals hitter to have success against Arrieta throughout his career. The former Atlanta Braves star is 6-for-18 against the Cubs' right-hander. Heyward could parlay a successful series into a large payday, as he's one of the top free agents this offseason.
3. Jake Arrieta Will Finally Allow A Run, But Will Get the Win
Getty ImagesArrieta hasn't allowed a run since September 16. That streak features four starts, 31 innings and a complete game shutout of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Wild Card game. The favorite to win the 2015 NL Cy Young Award will still beat the Cardinals, but I believe he'll finally allow a run.
2. Stephen Piscotty Will Homer Off Of Arrieta
Getty ImagesThrough two games Piscotty has been the Cardinals' offensive star, going 3-for-8 with a double, a home run and two RBIs. The rookie has never faced Arrieta. For some guys, that's a good thing because the hitter isn't up there thinking about tendencies or trying to guess what's coming next. Simplifying your approach to see ball and hit ball is sometimes the best way to find success.
1. Anthony Rizzo Will Mash 2 Home Runs
Getty ImagesRizzo is 0-for-10 through the Cubs' first three playoff games, but the slugger has gone 10-for-22 career against Wacha and it's time that he comes through. Rizzo and Kris Bryant are a combined 0-for-21 in the playoffs. The Cubs can't continue to win without production from the two guys in the middle of the order.
