PostCards: St. Louis Cardinals take a 3-1 lead in NLCS

With a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLCS, the St. Louis Cardinals have taken a 3-1 lead in the series.
October 15, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday (7) hits a two run home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the National League Championship Series baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Image Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
While the Cards missed out on several scoring opportunities, some players came through when fans least expected it.

Daniel Descalso got things started in the third inning with a lead-off single. Lance Lynn bunted him over to second base. Matt Carpenter followed that up with his first double of the series and drove in Descalso for a 1-0 lead.

After Carpenter advanced to third on Carlos Beltran‘s ground out, Matt Holliday took the first pitch he saw to deep left field for a 2-run home run. The ball still hasn’t landed yet. That’s how far it went!

The Dodgers scored twice in the fourth inning but Lynn stayed in the game until being pulled in the sixth inning. Because the offense has been so light during the NLCS, the Cardinals pitcher stands a good chance of becoming the first pitcher since the 2006 NLCS to win the MVP award.
October 15, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Shane Robinson (43) hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the National League Championship Series baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Image Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Pinch-hitting for Lynn in the 7th inning, Shane Robinson stepped up to the plate and hit a home run that reminded many folks of what Tom Lawless did during the 1987 World Series against the Minnesota Twins. The home run was Robinson’s first postseason hit.

Lynn pitched 5.1 innings for the night. He allowed 6 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and struck out 5 batters. Seth Maness relieved him and finished out the sixth inning.

Carlos Martinez handed relief duties in the seventh and eighth innings. After a Nick Punto double, he easily picked off the former Cardinal.

Trevor Rosenthal took care of things in the ninth inning. He allowed one hit but also struck out a batter.

Despite having a 3-1 lead, the Cardinals cannot take tomorrow for granted. Last year saw a 3-1 lead soon become a series stretching to Game 7. However, tomorrow’s Game 5 coincides with the anniversary of 1985 NLCS Game 6, which the Cardinals won 7-5 at Dodger Stadium, so maybe that’s an omen for the team. I don’t know.

The Cards have got to play smart baseball on Wednesday but with Zack Greinke throwing, it is important to get on the board early and often. The club would love to add the year 2013 to a list that already includes: 1926, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1982, 1985, 1987, 2004, 2006, and 2011.