Game 4 Preview: Must Win Situation
Oct 6, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder
Carlos Beltran(3) is congratulated by left fielder
Matt Holliday(7) after hitting a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 8th inning in game three of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
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The St. Louis Cardinals are one loss away from an early October exit. So what are the keys to victory for the St. Louis Cardinals in a must win Game 4.
Get Michael Wacha early run support.
Michael Wacha is an outstanding rookie phenom. I have been on the Wacha bus since he was called up earlier in the season. However, this rookie is in a must win situation to save the Cardinals season. The Pirates are sending Charlie Morton to the mound on Monday night. In his 3 starts against the Cardinals, he has given up 12 earned runs and was charged with 2 losses in those games. The Cardinals have to hammer him early and often. If the Cardinals struggle to get hits and runs, that could affect Wacha’s confidence which will be trouble for the Cardinals.
Production from the 7-8-9 hitters.
I understand that there is a reason that these players are at the bottom of the lineup. However, you can’t rely on Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and Matt Adams for all your offensive production. Matt Holliday needs to step up but you need some more production from the 7-8-9 hitters. The Cardinals are 5-29 (.172) in the 3 postseason games against the Pirates. They at least need to get on base to put the pressure on the Pirates pitching.
Game time is set for 2:07 pm Central standard time.
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