St. Louis Cardinals’ Lance Berkman, David Freese play crucial roles in Game 1 – MLB Update
St. Louis Cardinals’ Lance Berkman and David Freese rose to the challenge against Texas Rangers in Game 1 of the World Series, helping the Redbirds overcome the American League West Champions 3-2 on Wednesday, October 19 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.
Out-fielder Berkman drove in a two-run single in the fourth inning to give the Cardinals a handy two-run lead in the crunch encounter. Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday scored a run each for the home-side before impose pressure on the opposition ace C.J. Wilson, who has failed to win a start in the postseason this year.
Mike Napoli homered for the Rangers in the fifth inning to bring the game in balance, but it was Freese who scored the winning run for the Redbirds in the sixth inning to ensure a one-game lead in the seven-game Fall Classic.
Coming in as pinch hitter for Chris Carpenter, Allen Craig made full use of his only at-bat to drive in the run for Freese, who was awarded as NLCS Most Valuable Player for his priceless contributions for the team in the series against Milwaukee Brewers.
Freese was overjoyed with the win and asserted that this is what every team wants. He stated that Carpenter played a major role in the win and was quick to add that team effort played a vital role as well.
Agreeing with Freese, Berkman added that whenever there is an opportunity to win at home early in the series, the team should make full use of it. The out-fielder stressed that the only chance for the Cardinals in the series is to win National League-style games and this was one of them.
The Cardinals got home-advantage for the series after the National League won the All-Star Game. Questions have been raised for giving a Wild Card team the home-advantage for the World Series, but this is how it has always been.
The Rangers had emphasised that their style of play suits the National League, but it was unfortunate that they fell one short in the opener. However, if the Rangers bag Game 2, the series will get interesting at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
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