St. Louis Cardinals: 4 Keys to World Series Game 7

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The St. Louis Cardinals were one strike away from being eliminated from the 2011 World Series twice during Game 6, but they fought back and eventually won on David Freese's home run. St. Louis has forced Game 7 and they have a chance to win the 11th World Series title in team history.

No team has shown more fight this season than the St. Louis Cardinals. However, they are facing a Texas Rangers team that is also filled with hunger. They are looking for their first World Series title in team history.

If the Cardinals are going to win Game 7, then they are going to need to have the following things work for them.

Taking Advantage of the Momentum and Scoring Early

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The St. Louis Cardinals likely have just as much, if not more, momentum than the New York Mets had in 1986 after their magical Game 6 victory. The Mets let the Red Sox get out to a lead in Game 7, and the Cardinals need to make sure that they don't let the Rangers get ahead early.

St. Louis could end this game very early. If they come out swinging and score three or four early runs, they could completely demoralize the Texas Rangers and get rid of all of their fight.

Albert Pujols

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The St. Louis Cardinals have the best player in baseball. However, Albert Pujols has not played anywhere close to that level except for his performance in Game 3. In fact, aside from Game 3, Pujols has gone just 1-for-17 and has drawn five walks.

Game 7 is the biggest game of the year for the Cardinals, and they need their best player to step up in what could be his last game wearing a Cardinals uniform.

Chris Carpenter Provides at Least 5 Quality Innings

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For just the second time in his career, Chris Carpenter will be starting on short rest. He started on short rest during Game 2 of the NLDS, and he struggled.

Carpenter is the Cardinals' best pitcher, and it is very important that they get a good outing from him in such an important game. If Carpenter struggles, then the Cardinals could be in trouble.

Freese Makes It a Long, Cold Winter in Texas

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No one has stepped up more for the St. Louis Cardinals this postseasons than David Freese. He was dominant during the NLCS, and he hit the game-winning homer in Game 6.

Freese has been able to pick up the slack when his teammates have struggled. If he has one more big moment in him, he will become a legend in St. Louis.