NLDS Schedule 2011: Cardinals and D-Backs Poised to Bring Game 5 to Fans

Two teams with little hope took on juggernauts in the NLDS this week. By Wednesday, we had proof yet again that nothing is certain in the crazy MLB postseason. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals had giant challenges facing them in the form of the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively. 

The Brewers and Phillies were too balanced between pitching and power to be put to task by teams that had no business on the same field as them. That, of course, would be a fool's assessment. 

On Tuesday, we were treated to a D-Backs rout that had fans thinking the impossible was entirely plausible. 

As of this writing, the Cardinals have gone ahead of the Phillies, threatening to force a Game 5 on Friday. So that is what we look towards: a fabulous Friday that will hopefully garner two do or die games. Those are the must-see events you pray for. 

If Necessary, here are the Games 5's (All times EST). 

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers: Friday, October 7th, 5:00 p.m. TBS

The Diamondbacks looked to be dead in the water following a beat down in Game 2. That is until their bats awoke in Game 3. Josh Collmenter was lights out in seven innings of work. 

There will need to be some more magic from Kirk Gibson's boys on Wednesday night. If so, Ian Kennedy gets the bump, giving him the perfect opportunity to become a household name after a marvelous 2011 campaign. 

St. Louis Cardinals @ Philadelphia Phillies: Friday, October 7th, 8:30 p.m. TBS

The likely matchup here is Chris Carpenter vs. Roy Halladay. That is the best possible scenario for fans to see a pitching duel that will make the victor earn their trip to the championship series. 

Carpenter was not his usual self in Game 2, allowing four runs in the first three innings of play. The Phillies cannot be counted on to let the Cards chip their way back in on Game 5. Carpenter will need to be much better against a lineup that packs a punch.