World Series Game 1 Cardinals vs. Rangers

Final Score
Cardinals 3 Rangers 2

The Cardinals and fearless leader Tony Larussa continue their unbelievable run at another World Series Title by taking Game 1 of the Fall Classic at Busch Stadium last evening. As I thought about the outcome before the series began, I couldn't help but argue for a low scoring affair between these two Offensive giants of the postseason. As many Brewers fans may have done as well, I struggled with the idea of watching the World Series for obvious reasons. The true baseball fan inside of me prevailed and had to watch Game 1 with my interests focused on pitching. There was not a lot of offense in this battle and there are a million reasons to argue, but close attention to the box score will show that starting pitching was the difference in this game, as it had been in the NLCS. Early offensive production has been the lifeline for teams in the postseason.

I have to give credit where credit is due and that belongs to Tony Larussa and his bullpen. Early analysts including myself counted the Cardinals out because of their questionable BP. What I want to stress tonight is something I've been saying all postseason long; The stats from the regular season are irrelevant once the postseason begins and that's a fact. This is a very dangerous team that the Cardinals have right now with the ability for impressive offensive power and a bullpen that cannot be touched.

Lance Berkman and Allen Craig's pinch hit RBI's were enough cushion for the 3 innings of relief given by 5 shut down performances by this incredible bullpen. There's nothing to analyze there. There's nothing to suggest, nothing to excuse it with. The fact of the matter is that this bullpen is flat out getting the job done. It's historical.

The St. Louis Cardinals are not going to be stopped. You heard it from BK3 right now. It cannot be beat. If the Rangers get early runs, the Cardinals get more, and a lead for them means a win. Obviously there is a way to beat them. Well here's the million dollar answer. The pitching staff for the Rangers cannot allow more than 2 runs a game for the remainder of the postseason if they want any chance of winning.

You cannot allow this dangerous offense with 6 free trips to 1st base and expect this low score from them next time. They left 16 guys on base and STILL won!!! You can LOOK IT UP teams don't win doing that and somehow they did!!!! The Rangers were only walked twice in this game which doesn't help batting avg. with RISP but they also left 9 total runners on base. 7 if you get rid of the 2 walks.

I could sit here all night giving statistical reasons for why the Cardinals won and why the Rangers lost/should have won. In the playoffs, it's all about being CLUTCH. You get a few at bats and a few innings to pitch and that means FEW chances to make it count. So tonight, I'll leave you with the answer and reason to any questions that ask why the eventual World Series champions won; CLUTCH

-BK3-