St. Louis Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright to start in crucial Game 5 against Washington Nationals – MLB
As the National League Division Series enters the decisive phase, the St. Louis Cardinals have named Adam Wainwright as the starter for Game 5 against the Washington Nationals.
Nationals staged a comeback in Thursday’s Game 4, beating the Cardinals 2-1.
Cardinals had a 2-1 lead in the five-game NLDS, but Thursday’s ninth inning homer by Jayson Werth sealed the Nationals’ victory, tying the five-game series 2-2.
"We've had a very large amount of heartbreakers this year, and I think that's really been used to develop the character of this team and the resiliency," manager Mike Matheny said. "It's a tough one, but [we're] still alive to play another game."
And the ball shall go to Adam Wainwright, the starter who underwent Tommy John Surgery the past year, missing the whole season. This year, however, Wainwright took to the mound again and is coming to pitch in a game that will determine the Cards fate for the rest of the post-season.
"The postseason is so special anyway," Wainwright explained. "And this team has battled through so much this year and fought so hard just to get into the postseason. It really can't be understated how special that is to our team, and me in particular. I feel very blessed that I get to go out and compete tomorrow."
Adam Wainwright appeared in 32 games in the regular season, maintaining a 3.94 ERA with 14-13 record. He had 184 strike-outs to his credit in 198.2 innings that he pitched. Game 5, thus, will be a big responsibility lying on the shoulder of this starter.
It is an unprecedented challenge for the St. Louis Cardinals. But the club has encountered such challenges in the past as well. For example, last season the Cardinals made it to the post-season through Wild Card and made the most of it, ultimately winning the World Series.
Defending the World Series title this year, the Cardinals exhibited tremendous fighting spirit throughout the season. The Cardinals hope that their starter will have a key role in bringing victory to the club in this thoroughly anticipated finale.
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