MLB Playoff Schedule: Cardinals Will Obliterate Phillies' Star Pitchers

The Cardinals have the offensive talent, experience and patience to eliminate the Phillies. Over the course of the first two games, the Cardinals have done what most people thought would be impossible: they have gotten to the Phillies' amazing starting pitching.

The Evidence

The Cardinals have tallied 20 hits and 11 runs in two games vs. the Phillies, and they have done it on the road.

While some of this damage has come against the bullpen, a lot of it has been accomplished on the starters.

The Cardinals proved they would make pitchers pay for early struggles with a three-run home run in the first inning against Roy Halladay. They then proved they had the ability to battle back against any pitcher when they mounted a comeback against Cliff Lee.

They fell behind 4-0 to the Phillies with Cliff Lee on the mound. Lee entered the game with a 4-0 record and a 1.11 ERA in five divisional series starts. The Cardinals got to him for five runs and knocked Lee out after five innings.

The Schedule

NL Division Series
Game 1: St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies	Saturday, Oct. 1	11-6 Phillies	TBS
Game 2: St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies	Sunday, Oct. 2	5-4 Cardinals	TBS
Game 3: Philadelphia Phillies at St. Louis Cardinals	Tuesday, Oct. 4	5:07 p.m.	TBS
Game 4: Philadelphia Phillies at St. Louis Cardinals	Wednesday, Oct. 5	6:07 p.m.	TBS
Game 5: St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies*	Friday, Oct. 7	8:37 p.m.	TBS

*if necessary

Series Prediction: Cardinals in five

The Cardinals have proven they can get to the Phillies starting pitching. They have also shown that their bullpen can shutdown the Phillies' average offense.

They have a chance to end this one in four, as they will enjoy the comforts and raucous crowd that Busch Stadium offers.

Still, you have to believe the Phillies will take one of these games. The Cardinals have proven they can handle the daunting task of beating the Phils at home, even with likely starter Cliff Lee on the mound.