St. Louis Cardinals’ Tony La Russa outwits Texas Rangers’ Ron Washington in Game 1 – MLB Update
However unlikely it might seem, St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Tony La Russa outfoxed Texas Rangers’ manager Ron Washington in Game 1 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on Wednesday, October 19 to gain a handy one-game lead in the
seven-game fiesta.
Prior to the game, Washington had asserted that he had a liking for the National League-style of play and that his team was perfectly trained for this game. However, as it turned out to be, the national League Wild Card entrants edged the American League
West Champions 3-2 in a typical National League-type game.
The Rangers might be quicker than the Cardinals on paper and would have stolen more bases, but La Russa exhibited that the team is tactfully stronger and has more craving for silverware than any other team on the circuit.
All-Star slugger Albert Pujols could not dominate from the plate, but excelled on the defensive front for the Cardinals, a team he might leave after the World Series with free agency looming.
After Chris Carpenter failed in his two at-bats, La Russa did not risk him with the third and instead sent Allen Craig as pinch hitter for his ace. Making full use of his opportunity, Craig drove in a run for NLCS Most Valuable Player David Freese to virtually
seal the tie.
Earlier, Carpenter tossed six dominant innings for the Redbirds to reduce the burden on the bull-pen, which has played an intense role in guiding the team’s success this far. La Russa kept his ace on the mound till the offence succeeded in gaining a lead
over the Rangers, handing the ball to the relievers thereafter to safely see the Cardinals through.
Marc Rzepczynski pitched the Cardinals out of the intense seventh inning and was thereafter rightfully removed by La Russa, who has developed a habit of going deep into his bull-pen. Jason Motte got the ball in the ninth inning with a one-run lead and the
closer then ensured that the Redbirds fly safely to gain a valuable lead in the Fall Classic.
With La Russa proving he is strong on the strategic front, Washington’s strategy cannot be undermined. It will be interesting to see how Washington opens up against La Russa as the series progresses.
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