It all comes down to this. After splitting the first two games, the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Guardians face off in a decisive rubber match on Wednesday, with both teams looking to claim the series victory and build momentum.

The Cardinals (9-8), sitting third in the NL Central, bring their potent home run power to the fight, ranking fifth in the majors with 20 long balls. Their offense has been sparked by Jordan Walker, who is on a tear, going 16-for-41 with seven homers in his last ten games. Rookie JJ Wetherholt has also provided a key boost with three home runs and eight RBIs.

They'll host the Guardians (10-8), who hold second place in the AL Central thanks in part to a lineup that slugs .384, good for seventh in the American League. The always-dangerous Jose Ramirez leads the charge, while Angel Martinez has been hot, collecting 13 hits in his last 38 at-bats.

All eyes will be on the mound, however, where both starting pitchers are seeking to turn their seasons around. The Cardinals will send Dustin May (1-2, 9.45 ERA) to the hill, hoping he can find his form against Cleveland's Slade Cecconi (0-2, 5.74 ERA). With both teams sporting identical 5-5 records over their last ten games, this final showdown promises high stakes and plenty of drama.