The Astros are one game away from the World Series. How is this possible? Brandon Backe was the supposed weak link in the Houston pitching staff, but he gave up only one run infive-plus innings of work (and if you asked me, was still pitching pretty strong and was yanked prematurely). St. Louis pitcher Jeff Suppan had the better numbers this season, but was replaced in the sixth having given up a run also.
The Cards' batters should've feasted on Backe. They didn't. Now Houston, leading the series has three chances to win one and close things out. Andy Pettite takes the mound today for the 'Stros against Chris Carpenter, probably the best pitcher in the majors this year. The Astros won't hit him. I can almost guarantee that. But I think, what are the odds Pettite has another bad game? Pretty low. So it becomes a war of attrition. If Pettite pitches shutout ball through eight innings or so, he negates Carpenter's probable scoreless outing. Then we go to the bullpens, where Houston has a tremendous advantage. Am I dreaming here? I could easily see game 5 going deep into extra innings, and could see both starting pitchers come close to throwing complete games and come away with a no-decision. Wow. Ain't baseball great?
Now Playing: David Byrne Uh-Oh
Can Pettite possibly keep the Cards' hitters from breaking loose? They're way overdue. It should be a great game.
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