The Astros Are One Big Win Away
October 16, 2005 – 6:09 pmThe Houston Astros defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 today to take a 3 games to 1 lead in the National League Championship Series. While today’s win was huge, the Astros are still waiting for their most difficult victory yet over the resilient Cardinals.
In last season’s NLCS, Houston went to St. Louis up 3 games to 2, needing to win one of the two games in St. Louis to move on. As you probably know, St. Louis won both of those games to advance to the World Series. If the Astros lose Monday’s game in Houston, they will be looking at the exact same scenario as last year, with history decidedly against them.
This St. Louis Cardinals team is good, and their offense is due. Houston pitching has been dominant, but you can only hold down Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, and Larry Walker for so long. Andy Pettitte will have to be on his game Monday in order for the Astros to advance.
The Houston offense is giving me a lot to worry about. Eking out two runs against a vulnerable St. Louis pitching staff is nothing to write home about. The ‘Stros have to find a way to get a few more Monday night if they hope to defeat the supremely talented Chris Carpenter. Don’t print those World Series tickets yet. This thing is far from over.