Decorator Carl Flippin straightens out red, white and blue bunting before fastening to a rail at Busch Stadium as preperations are made for Game Three of the National League Division Series in St. Louis on October 3, 2011. The St. Louis Cardinals will host the Philadelphia Phillies. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia says there is no real advantage for him having faced the Phillies earlier this season, but he has had success against the NL East champs this year. Meanwhile, Cole Hamels is used to pitching in big time games and his experience may be an advantage over Garcia, he is very beatable in Game 3 of this National League Division Series.
Hamels has won half of his games on the road this season and the 2008 World Series MVP has six career post season wins under his belt, and while Hamels is as good as they come, the Cardinals can win today. Cole Hamels on game three (:40)
Hamels has won just twice since July 22nd and is 2-3 in decisions down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Phillies were just 5-6 in his final 11 starts. The Cardinals beat Hamels 5-0 on September 18th thanks to three homers, two against Hamels from Allen Craig and Albert Pujols. If the Cardinals are going to get to Hamels, the long ball will be the key. Hamels has always been prone to giving up homers, but in six September starts, Hamels has given up nine home runs.
Garcia has faced the Phillies twice this year, getting no decisions, but pitching well in two victories for the Cards. On May 17th, he allowed just one unearned run in eight innings of a 2-1 win. Recently on September 16th, he allowed just one run in seven innings in a 4-2 Cardinals win. Jaime Garcia talks about game three (:30)
