World Series Game 5: 5 Predictions for Carpenter vs. Wilson Round 2

The 2011 World Series is shaping up to as an epic back-and-forth battle between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers.

The series is tied at 2-2, and history holds the Game 5 winner in its favor. 

Monday night brings the series to a fever pitch, as both teams send their ace to the mound. Chris Carpenter will take the hill for the Cardinals against C.J. Wilson of the Rangers.

Carpenter won the clash between the two in Game 1.  

The crucial matchup tonight is must-see TV as the series heads back to St. Louis for the deciding game(s). This is the last home game of the season for the Rangers, and they don't want to leave their fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Like most, this game will be won on the pitching mound. 

Here are the predictions for World Series Game 5 tonight. 

No. 5: Albert Pujols Will Get a Hit

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has already made World Series history this year with his three home runs in Game 3. 

Pujols went 0-4 in Game 4, and 0-2 against Texas Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson in Game 1. 

Pujols is too good not to get a hit off of Wilson. He's also too good to be held hitless in two straight games. 

It won't be a homer, but expect Pujols to earn a double in his second at-bat in Game 5. 

No. 4: C.J. Wilson Will Strike out 8 Cardinals While Walking Just 3

C.J. Wilson was a bit of a loose cannon during Game 1 of the World Series. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing just four hits but walking six St. Louis Cardinals. His WHIP in Game 1 was 1.76, compared to his season average of 1.19. 

This will change in Game 5 as Wilson understands the implications of his performance.

Expect Wilson's control to be much better—he'll strike out at least eight Cardinals and walk just three. 

No. 3: Josh Hamilton and Michael Young Will Be the Difference

Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton and Michael Young are arguably their two best and have yet to show up in the World Series. 

While it is true that Hamilton is battling an injury (via ESPN), he's still in the lineup, but is only hitting .125 through four games of the series. In comparison to his regular season average, Hamilton hit .298.

His teammate, Michael Young, is batting just .200 in the series thus far. Young batted a whopping .338 during the regular season.

Keep in mind that the Rangers desperately want to avoid losing back-to-back World Series. Hamilton and Young are the true leaders of this ball club and they won't disappoint in Game 5.

After all, they were a combined 0-8 against Carpenter in Game 1.  

No. 2: Chris Carpenter Will Exit Early with Elbow Fatigue

St. Louis Cardinals' ace Chris Carpenter won Game 1 despite enduring a sore elbow (via CBSSports.com). He threw six solid innings, allowing just five hits and two runs. Carpenter is now 3-0 in the playoffs this year and 8-2 in his career.

Game 5 will be a different result for Carpenter and the Cardinals. The Texas Rangers have their backs against the wall and will look to punish Carpenter behind the likes of Josh Hamilton and Michael Young, who've yet to make much of an impact in the series. 

Expect the Rangers to get to Carpenter by the fourth inning. With the fright of a lingering elbow injury and the threat of dropping Game 5, Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa will be forced to yank his ace sooner rather than later. 

No. 1: C.J. Wilson Will Earn His First Playoff Win This Season

C.J. Wilson is 0-3 with a 7.17 ERA in the postseason this year.

Compared to his 16-7, 2.94 ERA in the regular season, he's bound for a win.

Wilson is a free agent at season's end, and without a playoff victory this year, he'll be leaving a ton of money on the table. 

Wilson will pitch 6.2 innings for the Texas Rangers in Game 5. In the most important game of his life, Wilson will shine. 

Expect the Rangers to win Game 5, 6-3.