Adam Wainwright (R) gives Chris Carpenter (L) a hug before game 4. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
When Chris Carpenter and Roy Halladay were coming up through the Toronto organization and pitching the Blue Jays, they leaned on each for support and bounced ideas off of each other on what it would take for them to be successful pitchers in the majors. Now, best friends from the American League, each with a National League Cy Young Award to their name, will face each other for the first time in the biggest game of the season.
Tony La Russa, Chris Carpenter, and Roy Halladay on tonight’s matchup (:31)
Tony LaRussa almost blundered by starting Carpenter on three day’s rest in game two of this NL Division Series when he gave up three runs in the first inning and lasted just three innings. Somehow, the Cardinals won that game and gained a split in Philly, now Carpenter is set for the all important fifth and final game of this series with a full four days rest and a short outing.
He will need to be at his best, because opposite of Carpenter is his friend. Halladay allowed a three run homer in the first inning in Game one, but then held the Cardinals to three hits as the Phillies stormed back to win. However, the Cards got to Halladay on September 19th getting him for four runs on six hits and four walks in eight innings.
Halladay has made four post season starts and is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA. Carpenter is 5-2 in the post season with a 3.38 ERA in 10 starts.