The Cardinals have met their postseason downfall in San Francisco once before. Two years ago the club was leading the NLCS 3-2 before melting down at AT&T Ballpack and giving the series away to the Giants. St. Louis will attempt to avoid that a second time as they series is even at 1-1.
The Giants will send Tim Hudson to the mound. This will be the veteran's first start in game beyond a division series in 16 seasons as the Atlanta Braves could next make it this far. The pitcher notes that he feels ready to get a taste of the postseason deep in October. In his last outing against the Washington Nationals, he pitched seven innings while giving up just one earned run in the process. He will try and fend off the big bats of the Cardinals who became the first team to hit home runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings of a postseason game.
If the Cardinals are going to win Game 3, it will be without Yadier Molina. The catcher suffered a left oblique strain in Game 2. The team was hopeful he could make a return for Game 3, but has been ruled out for the time being. Instead, St. Louis will rely on AJ Pierzynski to catch for former Boston teammate John Lackey. If there is someone familiar with postseason play, it is Lackey. He has seen his share of October games. The pitcher went seven innings in his last start while giving up one run and five hits. The Cardinals are hoping to ride a successful pitching staff. Adam Wainwright has gotten healthier to add to the mix. He had questionable after not making it out of the fifth innings in his last two starts.
The 2014 NLCS is all tied up as the series shifts back to the pitcher-friendly ballpark in San Francisco. The St. Louis Cardinals managed to even the series with a win in Game 2 as they hope momentum has suddenly shifted in their favor. However, the Giants like playing at home and have a healthy squad to make a run over the next two games. As injuries hit the Cardinals, Game 3 could dictate the direction of the series.
