MLB World Series 2011: Cardinals' Bullpen Will Be Needed Again in Game 4

For a second there, it looked like the St. Louis Cardinals were deviating from the mold. After beating the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series thanks largely to their bullpen, the Cardinals saw their starting pitching show up in a big way in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers.

However, things went back to normal for the Cardinals in Game 3 on Saturday night. Kyle Lohse struggled early, and Tony La Russa ended up needing six innings from his bullpen. To make sure their efforts weren't wasted, Albert Pujols hit three home runs, and there was much rejoicing in St. Louis when the Cardinals walked away with a 16-7 win.

After such a heavy night of work, the Cardinals' bullpen could probably benefit from a rest. Unfortunately for them, they're probably not going to get it.

This will be thanks to Edwin Jackson. He has electric stuff, but it's fair to say that he can be erratic. He had a 1.44 WHIP during the regular season, and it was not uncommon to see him walk three or four guys in an outing.

Making matters worse is the fact that Jackson struggled with the long ball in the NLCS against the Brewers. When we last saw him on the mound, Jackson gave up three home runs and four earned runs in just two innings of work.

Recent struggles like these don't bode well for Jackson as he prepares to face a Rangers lineup that can bring the thunder with the best of 'em. The Rangers have hit just three long balls in the World Series, but two of those came on Saturday night. Their pitching got knocked around, but the bats were working just fine.

If the bats are working fine on Sunday night as well, Jackson is going to be in trouble. It's worth mentioning once again that he can be good on occasion, but you just never know what you're going to get out of him. As such, it's hard to like Jackson's chances against a good hitting team like the Rangers.

The bright side for the Cardinals is that they are by no means doomed if Jackson struggles. La Russa has been working magic with his bullpen all postseason, and there's no reason to think he won't continue to do so if he needs to in Game 4.

Though, I'm sure La Russa wouldn't mind at all if Pujols pitched in with another homer. Or two. Or three.