The Cardinals travel to New York tonight needing four wins to reach the World Series for the second time in three years. St. Louis and the Mets – the best National League team during the regular season – will hook up in a best-of-seven series. The Redbirds knocked off the Padres in four games to advance. The Mets swept the Dodgers in three games.
New York won the NL East, the first team other than the Braves to do so in 14 years. They finished with 97 wins and feature some of the best talent in the Major Leagues. Third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes form arguably the best left infield in the game. New York’s lineup features three 100-RBI hitters. On the mound, Tom Glavine is no stranger to the postseason, and closer Billy Wagner is a well capable anchor.
The Cardinals have been more of a one-man team lately. Albert Pujols almost single-handedly won the series against the Padres. St. Louis did receive some solid starting pitching and its bullpen is starting to shape up despite the loss of closer Jason Isringhausen. Jeff Weaver will start game 1. He is no Chris Carpenter, but Weaver has come on as of late. Adam Wainright has handled the closing duties since the loss of Isringhausen.
The Mets won the season series against the Birds 4-2.
Related web sites:
Cardinals Official Website