Cardinals vs. Brewers: Series Will Reach Game 7

With an impressive win over the Milwaukee Brewers, the St. Louis Cardinals proved last night why they are a true force in the 2011 MLB playoffs. But expect these two teams to trade blows this entire series.

Albert Pujols was 4-for-5 on the day with five RBI, which is further proof the man is going to get a very large contract before next year. The Cardinals will do all they can to re-sign him because he was a huge factor as to why they made the playoffs, as well as why St. Louis is still relevant. 

Before this series, the Cardinals and Brewers played each other 18 times this year, and they split the season series at 9-9. That just shows you how good this series is going to be. Not only will fans be pleased that this series will go the distance, the MLB will also be ecstatic, because it will bring much-needed excitement to the postseason.

Yes, these playoffs have already been fun to watch, but with the big-market teams now out of contention, the ratings were going to take a big hit. If the Cardinals and Brewers can continue to match one another, then it will definitely increase the likelihood that fans and casual fans tune in.

There will always be die-hard baseball fans that watch no matter who is playing. But when the fair-weather fans see their team exit the playoffs, they don't want to watch anymore.

If the MLB can create hype around these two NL Central teams, then perhaps it could bring more viewers in. It shouldn't be too hard, considering this series will be the best of the playoffs. Neither team likes the other, and both squads have huge personalities that love the big stage.

These teams are evenly matched when it comes to hitting and pitching, but obviously the coaching edge goes to the Cardinals and Tony La Russa. What he's done this year to get the Cardinals in the playoffs is truly remarkable.

Game 3 is set for Wednesday night. Yovani Gallardo will be on the mound for the Brewers, while Chris Carpenter looks to throw another complete game shutout for the Cardinals. 

Carpenter was absolutely brilliant against the Phillies in Game 5, and because of his performance that night, the Cardinals advanced to the NLCS. 

There's no reason to believe that this series will be finished before Game 7 because of their history against one another, as well as how great both teams are playing right now.