World Series Schedule 2011: Cardinals Won't Win Series If They Don't Win Game 1

Game 1 is far more important to the Cardinals than it is to the Rangers. There are many factors that factor into this fact. And very few things that refute it. Let's delve deeper.

Schedule

Game	Date	Location	First Pitch	Probable Pitcher	Network
1	10/19	St. Louis	8:05 p.m	CJ Wilson vs Chris Carpenter	Fox
2	10/20	St. Louis	8:05 p.m	Colby Lewis vs Jaime Garcia	Fox
3	10/22	Texas	8:05 p.m	Edwin Jackson vs Derek Holland	Fox
4	10/23	Texas	8:05 p.m	TBD	Fox
*5	10/24	Texas	8:05 p.m	TBD	Fox
*6	10/26	St. Louis	8:05 p.m	TBD	Fox
*7	10/27	St. Louis	8:05 p.m	TBD	Fox

*all times EST

Why Cardinals Need Game 1

The Cardinals are loaded with momentum. The loss of that momentum and the sudden reality of a deficit can be a very deflating thing.

This would also happen in front of their hometown fans, and they would take the field in Game 2 with the reality that it could be the last time for the season.

Beyond those factors, though, it is the realities of the pitching staff that make Game 1 a must-win. The Cardinals cannot afford to lose a game when Chris Carpenter starts. He is the heart and soul of their team.  

If Carpenter loses, it will be a domino effect for the team, and it will force the Cardinals in a position to bring back Carpenter on short rest or face an early exit. Tony LaRussa hates to use pitchers on short rest. If he wants to avoid this, they better win Game 1.