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Rangers Vs. Cardinals Game 7: Chris Carpenter To Start, Matt Holliday Out

The Cardinals will pitch their ace on short rest, but they won't have one of their offensive stars for Game 7.

As many suspected, the postponement of Wednesday's Game 6 has allowed St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa to start his ace, Chris Carpenter, on three day's rest. 

Carpenter, the 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner, solidified his reputation as a big-game pitcher when he out-dueled Roy Halladay in Game 5 of the Cardinals' NLDS series against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing only three hits in a complete-game shut-out.

However, the Rangers have had some success against him in the World Series, as he gave up 2 earned runs in both Games 1 and 5. 

Matt Holliday's absence, meanwhile, might have the bigger impact on the game. Holliday sprained his wrist in the sixth inning of Game 6, when he slid while unsuccessfully trying to beat out Mike Napoli's pick-off attempt at third base.

The 6'4 235 outfielder has struggled in the World Series, going 3-18 without a single RBI. But the five-time All-Star is one of the only players capable of protecting Albert Pujols in the St. Louis' line-up, without him, Texas is likely to continue taking the game out of Pujols' hands by walking him.

The Cardinals replaced Holliday on their World Series roster with rookie outfielder Adron Chambers, who has had only 13 career major-league at bats.

For the latest news and analysis on Game 7 from a Rangers perspective, check out Lone Star Ball. For the take from St. Louis, head over to Viva El Birdos.

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.