St. Louis Cardinals for a stronger rotation in Game 4 as bullpen delivers in Game 3 – NLCS Update
As the St. Louis Cardinals edged past San Francisco Giants with 3-1 win in National League Championship Series Game 3 on Wednesday, October 17, Jason Motte proved to be among the most instrumental players to clinch the much-needed victory.
Earning his career best two-inning save of the career, Motte thrilled the crowd with his scintillating performance.
"They said if we didn't score I was going to go out there. I was in the clubhouse running around, I've never really had to sit around like that," Motte said. "It was probably the most nervous I've ever been."
The Cardinals have lately relied on the bullpen to a considerable degree. The rotation has not clicked in the post-season games, prompting revaluation and overhaul of the strategy to compensate it.
For example, before Game 3 of the NLCS, the Cardinals' starters had 36 innings compared to 34 innings of the bullpen. Kyle Lohse had just over five innings in Wednesday’s game, allowing seven hits and a run along with five walks.
Jason Motte, came forward as someone effective and instrumental to provide the needed support of the bullpen. Motte’s eighth and ninth innings came after rain had disrupted the game and the Cardinals were looking to embolden their grip.
With another game wherein the bullpen came to the Cardinals’ rescue, the club hopes Game 4 will see Adam Wainwright take effective charge of the rotation. Adam Wainwright, who had undergone Tommy John surgery the past year, has been a regular part of the Cardinals this season.
He is to start in crucial Game 4 of the NLCS.
"We've seen him have some exceptional runs this year, and just like any other pitcher, some struggles -- especially a pitcher coming off Tommy John [surgery]," Matheny said. "Early on, he had a little trouble with his consistency and just finding the feel.”
With Motte being successful in Game 3, it will be interesting to see whether Wainwright succeeds in providing a solid base in the rotation in Game 4. That will also determine the result of the Cardinals’ endeavour in having a triumphant bid in NLCS to play the World Series.
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