According to Jenifer Langosch, John Lackey has been announced as the starter for Game 1 of the NLDS at Busch Stadium.
Lackey (13-10, 2.77 ERA) will be making his 19th start in the postseason of his career and third postseason start as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. In 18 career starts, Lackey has a record of 7-5 with an ERA of 3.08. Last season, Lackey was dominant in the division series for the Cardinals against the Dodgers – going seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits, and just one walk.
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Where Lackey struggled, was the NLCS against the Giants, where he allowed four runs on four hits through six innings pitched.
This is really good news for the Cardinals, I was afraid that Mike Matheny was going to go with the natural order of the rotation, which would give Lance Lynn or Michael Wacha the start.
Against the Pirates this season, Lackey started three games and was 0-1 with an ERA of 2.25 over 20 innings pitched. The Pirates, carried a .280 batting average in those three games and hit two home runs off of him.

Call to the Pen
Against the Cubs this, Lackey started just three games as well. He had a record of 2-0 with an ERA of 1.25 in those three starts. The Cubs only managed a .244 average against Lackey in those three starts and were only able to club four total extra base hits against him (all doubles).
These are pretty good numbers, for the right handed hurler against the two teams the Cardinals could potentially face in the NLDS starting Friday at 5:30 PM Central.
Look for Lackey to get the Cardinals off to a good start and another good postseason start for the 13 year veteran pitcher.