St. Louis Cardinals confident of overcoming Texas Rangers in World Series Game 1 – MLB Update
Historically, there is not much evidence to deduce a clear favourite for the World Series, but with home-advantage with the St. Louis Cardinals, they are preferred to win against the Texas Rangers in the seven-game series with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday, October 19 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.
The only time these teams countered each other was in 2004, when the Rangers hosted the Cardinals for a three-game series. However, the strengths and weaknesses of both teams are quite evident and each team will be tactfully prepared.
Cardinals’ manager Tony La Russa has chosen his ace Chris Carpenter to counter Rangers’ struggling ace C.J. Wilson, in a bid to gain early advantage in the seven-game fiesta. Given Wilson’s form during the playoffs, it is not hard to deduce that the advantage clearly belongs to Carpenter, who produced a magical three-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in the elimination game of the National League Division Series.
An interesting aspect of Game 1 will be Nelson Cruz versus David Freese. Cruz was named American League’s Most Valuable Player for his record-breaking performance in the AL Championship Series and Freese won the top honours in the National League for being central to his team’s success against Milwaukee Brewers.
Both players have established themselves among the most destructive batters on the circuit, but with strong rotations to play against, their approach and performance will be vital. They will be playing against each other for the very first time, but with the World Series at stake, this has little meaning.
Commenting on the team’s confidence for the game, Freese said, "I think we're a team that can match up with them a little bit. And they're confident, we're confident. It's been a tough road. I've definitely been watching the ALCS for sure. That's some good ball over there."
Rangers’ manager Ron Washington played down talks of home-advantage and asserted that his team is better suited to National League-style of play. The Rangers have more speed and power in their line-up, but it is the Wild Card entrants who have expressed more craving for the World title.
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