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 this historic ballpark. Rickwood Field holds a special place in baseball history, as it was where Willie Mays made his professional debut in 1948. Unfortunately, Willie Mays passed away earlier this week, adding a poignant layer to this highly anticipated event.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 hold a 36-39 record and are one game out of the third NL wild-card spot. Keaton Winn, who had a promising start to the season with three solid outings in April, has struggled mightily since. He has posted a 13.02 ERA across his last five starts, although he did manage a quality start in his last outing against the Angels.The Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They recently climbed above .500 for the first time since early in the season, though they endured two consecutive walk-off losses to the Miami Marlins. With a 36-37 record, the Cardinals are 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central and are tied with the Nationals for the second and third wild-card spots. Andre Pallante, who started the season as a reliever, has transitioned to the rotation and made only four starts so far, averaging 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.Prediction
Major League Baseball will likely have a pre-game ceremony honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays. Such tributes will likely strike an emotional chord and set a reverent tone for the evening. The sweltering weather in Birmingham should make Rickwood Field a hitter-friendly environment. While the ballpark's characteristics remain an enigma, the conditions suggest a high-scoring affair. Given the subpar form of both starting pitchers and the taxed bullpens, a slugfest is anticipated. Expect fireworks as both teams 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.