Game 1 didn't go as planned for the Texas Rangers, as the St. Louis Cardinals edged out Texas, thanks to Allen Craig's pinch hit single in the sixth inning.
Ron Washington's team will have another chance to break homefield advantage on Thursday night, as Colby Lewis gets the start in Game 2 against Jaime Garcia and the Cardinals.
The story of Lewis' season has been the home run. Lewis pitched very well during the regular season in 2011, pitching to the tune of a 1.21 WHIP and .240 BAA. Unfortunately, Lewis yielded 35 home runs in 200 and 1/3 innings of work on the season, resulting in an inflated ERA of 4.40.
So far in the postseason, Lewis has made two starts -- both of which were on the road, as Thursday night's will be. Lewis was credited with a win in the ALDS against the Rays, pitching six innings, giving up just one run on one hit while walking two and striking out six. That run, predictably when it comes to Lewis in 2011, came on a home run.
In the ALCS, Lewis made one start, pitching five and two thirds innings, giving up four runs on eight hits, two of which were homers.
Luckily for Lewis and the Rangers, Busch Stadium is one of the friendlier ballparks for pitchers to pitch in.
St. Louis' starter in Game 2 certainly has enjoyed pitching in Busch Stadium this year. Garcia, who went 13-7 for St. Louis with a 3.56 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, made 15 starts at home and 17 on the road for the Cards. On the road, Garcia posted a 4.61 ERA, surrendering 123 hits in 95 and 2/3 innings of work, good for a .313 BAA. At home, however, Garcia was excellent, with a 2.55 ERA and .230 BAA.
Texas' bats will certainly need to wake up if they are to win Game 2 and head back to Arlington with the World Series knotted at a game a piece.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT from Busch Stadium. Televised coverage can be found nationally on FOX.