After concluding an impressive 8-2 road trip, the Atlanta Braves are set to return to Truist Park on Tuesday for a six-game homestand. This stretch will kick off with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, marking the beginning of a challenging 10-game run over nine days for the Braves. As they enter the series against the Cardinals, the Braves hold a commanding 90-46 record and enjoy a healthy 15-game lead in the NL East standings. Their magic number to secure a sixth consecutive NL East title is now 12, with 26 games left in the season. Atlanta had previously swept a three-game series in St. Louis back in early April, foreshadowing the divergent paths these two teams would take this season.

During the recent road trip, Ronald Acuña Jr. further solidified his MVP credentials by delivering an impressive performance. He went 15-for-45 with four home runs and five stolen bases. Notably, Acuña became the first player in MLB history to achieve 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. He also homered in three of the four games against the Dodgers, bringing his season total to 63 stolen bases, just 10 shy of breaking Otis Nixon’s modern franchise record of 72, set in 1991.

On the other hand, the Cardinals began the season with hopes of competing for the NL Central title but have fallen short, becoming one of the biggest disappointments in baseball. They enter the series with a 59-78 record, placing them at the bottom of the NL Central standings, a substantial 17.5 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. St. Louis made significant trades at the Trade Deadline, parting ways with pitchers Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, and Jordan Hicks.

Despite having solid but not spectacular seasons from Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals’ offense ranks 17th in the league in runs scored. The pitching staff has struggled, especially after trading away key pitchers, making it challenging for the team to contend. Interestingly, the Cardinals rank 13th in both position player and pitching value, indicating they should be a mediocre, .500-ish team with the potential to contend, but their season has been marked by disappointment. They had a winning record in both May and July but couldn’t overcome their early struggles.

The pitching matchups for the series are as follows:

Tuesday, September 5, 7:20 p.m. ET (Bally Sports South)

Cardinals: Miles MikolasBraves: TBDWednesday, September 6, 7:20 p.m. ET (Bally Sports South)

Cardinals: Dakota HudsonBraves: Spencer StriderThursday, September 7, 7:20 p.m. ET (Bally Sports South)

Cardinals: Adam WainwrightBraves: Max FriedVeteran righty Miles Mikolas will start for the Cardinals in the series opener on Tuesday, while the Braves have yet to announce their starting pitcher.

Dakota Hudson, a right-hander, will take the mound for the Cardinals in Wednesday’s game, and Spencer Strider is expected to start for the Braves.

On Thursday, experienced right-hander Adam Wainwright will be the Cardinals’ starting pitcher, and Max Fried will get the nod for the Braves.

The series promises to be an intriguing matchup between the NL East-leading Braves and the struggling Cardinals, offering fans exciting baseball action to look forward to.