In Game 1 of the World Series, both the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers displayed why they deserved to be there.
The bullpens were excellent and the starting pitching was tremendous, however in the end the Cardinals edged out the American League Champion Texas Rangers for the 3-2 win.
St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter was excellent once again going six strong innings allowing before manager Tony La Russa lifted him in the bottom of the 6th with two men on, two men out and the score tied.
Meanwhile Rangers manager Ron Washington went to his stopper out of the bullpen in Alexi Ogando to face pinch hitter Allen Craig. After getting Craig to miss on 96 and 97 mph fast balls, Craig didn’t miss on the next 96 mph fast balls. Craig was able to smoke the pitch down the right field line scoring NLCS MVP David Freese when Nelson Cruz was unable to come up with the sliding catch.
The bullpens took over from here on out with Cards closer Jason Motte getting ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz to fly out for the final out in the 9th.
Rangers starter C.J. Wilson was charged with all three runs given up by the Rangers and was only one out away from a quality start.
Game 2 is set for Thursday night when Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis will take the hill for Texas while the Cardinals will go with lefty Jaime Garcia.
Ref: Sporting News, Facebook (image)