St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers equally matched for World Series – MLB Update
While all eyes were waiting to see the likes of New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies playing in the World Series, National League Wild Card entrants St. Louis Cardinals and American League West Champions Texas Rangers have steeled their
way to the Fall Classic after comprehensively winning their League pennants.
The Cardinals overcame the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Division Series, shutting them down 1-0 in Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chris Carpenter was at the core of this victory, winning against long-time friend and Phillies’
ace Roy Halladay in what was termed as a historical matchup.
Replicating his form into the NL Championship Series, Carpenter gave the Redbirds an early advantage in the series against Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals had failed to overcome the Brewers in the NL Central, but had their share when it mattered most. The
Cardinals won 4-2 in the seven-game series to become the tenth Wild Card team to make it through to the World Series.
The Rangers, on the other hand, dominated the regular season and have produced a similar performance thus far in the postseason. However, their starters have failed to impress in the playoffs and this is one area where Ron Washington will want his army to
improve.
C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis were central to Rangers’ feat in the regular season, but have largely disappointed in ten postseason starts thus far. Their earned-run average has been the main concern, but Washington played it down and was of the view that this
does not necessarily spell disaster for the team.
Derek Holland, an integral part of Texas’ rotation, expressed concern over the pitching performance of the team and said, "We're very frustrated. I know I'm a better pitcher than what I have shown. We know we're capable of going longer than we have been,
but we can't worry about the ALCS."
Washington agreed with Holland, but was positive that bull-pen will fire in the World Series. Wilson has not won a single game in the playoffs, but a stable offence, it is only a matter of time before the ace gets back to winning ways.
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