So far, the World Series has been a complete toss up. The Cardinals took Game 1 thanks to a pinch hit, RBI single from Allen Craig, giving them a 3-2 win. The Rangers responded, trailing 1-0 in the ninth of Game 2, before two sacrifice flies gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead and win.
Now on Saturday with the World Series tied at a game a piece, the setting shifts to Arlington. This means that the designated hitter will be back in play, since the game will be played with American League rules. While it's easy to think that this would favor Texas, it might actually favor St. Louis, as Tony La Russa will get to add Allen Craig's bat into the lineup.
Ron Washington has decided to start Matt Harrison on the mound in Game 3. Harrison has pitched reasonable well in the playoffs, appearing in three games and making two starts. In his two starts, both of which resulted in Texas wins, Harrison pitched five innings and gave up two runs. Harrison, unfortunately, saw his pitch count run into the 90s after five innings, forcing Washington to go to his bullpen early, rather than invite disaster to come to Harrison.
The Cardinals will counter Harrison with Kyle Lohse, who has had a miserable postseason to date. Lohse has not escaped the sixth inning in the playoffs, lasting only 5 and 1/3 innings against the Phillies, and lasting only four and 1/3 innings against the Brewers. Combined in those two starts, Lohse has given up nine runs (eight earned), 13 hits, walking one while striking out seven.
While the World Series has been low scoring so far, the shift in venues could change that. Busch Stadium certainly plays as a pitcher's park, and we all know Rangers Ballpark in Arlington's reputation as a bandbox.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.