Two of the hottest pitchers in the Major Leagues hook up in St. Louis tonight.
Yovani Gallardo
Yovani Gallardo gets the call for the Milwaukee Brewers, while the St. Louis Cardinals counter with Chris Carpenter.
Gallardo will try to turn around his tough fortunes against the Cardinals after going just 1-7 lifetime against them. Carpenter has fared better against the Brewers, but still only carries a 6-6 lifetime record against the Brewers into tonight’s game.
Given the fact that the Cardinals are hosting games 3, 4 and 5, tonight’s game 3 is a big one for the Brewers.
Rain is in the forecast, which could mean problems for these pitching staffs. Both teams, with their aces going tonight, would like them to get a result. If they pitch a few innings, then undergo a lengthy rain delay, then both teams would have to go to the bullpen, in effect wasting the efforts of their starters.
The Brewers could make a lineup change as well. Nyjer Morgan has just 3 hits in the postseason and his defense has been suspect. He may have to give way tonight to either Carlos Gomez or Mark Kotsay. Kotsay may be the logical choice. He gives you the left-handed batter vs. right-handed pitcher matchup. And Kotsay is hitting .364 lifetime against Carpenter.
The two teams split their 18 regular season games and are 1-1 in the playoffs. This series could continue in that fashion. If it does, then Gallardo and Carpenter would decide with a game 7 matchup back in Milwaukee.
But first things first. The Brewers need to take care of business in St. Louis to get the series back to Milwaukee. Game time tonight is set for 7:05pm at Busch Stadium.
AUDIO: Bill Scott previews Game 3 tonight 1:40