MLB World Series 2011 Schedule: Cardinals Will Continue to Abuse Rangers Bullpen

The St. Louis Cardinals have been punishing the depleted Rangers bullpen, and you should expect this to continue in Game 4.

The Cardinals bats exploded in Game 3, putting up a ridiculous 16 runs. The always deadly Albert Pujols tied a World Series record by blasting three home runs, all of which came against the Texas bullpen.

The Rangers bullpen had been their strength coming into the World Series, having dominated in the ALDS and ALCS. However, all of those innings are beginning to add up and take their toll on the Texas relievers.

In the first 12 games of the playoffs, the Rangers bullpen had pitched 47 innings and allowed just 11 earned runs. They had struck out 40 batters and walked 15.

But in Game 3, they completely crumbled.

In five and a third innings, the Texas relievers allowed 10—yes, 10—earned runs. They walked five batters and struck out just four.

Derek Holland takes the hill for Texas in Game 4, and the AL champs desperately need him to make a long start. The Rangers only got three and two-thirds innings out of Matt Harrison in Game 3.

If they are to avoid another meltdown from their fatigued bullpen, Holland will have to last until at least the sixth inning. Anything less is unacceptable.

Unfortunately, Holland was lackluster in two relief appearances in last year's World Series. He allowed three runs and walked four in one total inning.

Clearly, the memories of that performance is still on his mind.

"I really want to win this," Holland said. "I feel like I've got a lot to prove after what happened last year, but it's obviously not going to take me out of my game or what I have to do for this next start."

Holland will have to be much better this time around if the Rangers are to have any chance.

However, I think Pujols, Yadier Molina and the rest of the St. Louis hitters will take advantage of the young left hander.

I don't expect him to get out of the fifth inning. And when he goes out, that tired Texas bullpen will get beat up again.

The Cardinals will go up 3-1 tonight, with a chance to clinch the title on Monday night.