World Series 2011: Texas Rangers Need C.J. Wilson to Deliver in Game 5

The 2011 World Series is split 2-2 after four games.

The MLB champion will be determined by a three-game mini-series, starting this evening at 8:05 p.m. ET on Fox.

Tonight, the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals send their aces to the mound; C.J. Wilson faces off against Chris Carpenter.

Needless to say, this is a pivotal game that will sway the series' odds in favor of the team that wins tonight's game

Let's take a look at why the Rangers need Wilson more than ever tonight in Game 5.  

Ensure the Rangers Don't Have to Win Two Games in St. Louis

This is a must-win game for the Rangers. 

If the Cardinals take Game 5, the Rangers will not be able to win both Games 6 and 7 in St. Louis.

The weather and outfield dimensions of Busch Stadium provide the perfect foil to the Texas Rangers' strength: Power Hitting. It is a pitcher's park, and plays to the strengths of the Cardinals.

Because of the cold weather that permeates the Midwest this time of year, the ball does not carry as far, which means fewer home runs. Thus the power hitting Rangers, who have propensity for the long ball, will have one of their main strengths taken right out of their hands.

As a result, it is critical that C.J. Wilson pitch effectively enough to get the win tonight for the Rangers. Because while Texas may scratch one out of St. Louis, two is out of the question. 

Keep the Bullpen Rested

Derek Holland, the starter for the Rangers in Game 4, did an excellent deed for his bullpen by pitching eight and one-third innings of shutout ball.

That being said, C.J. Wilson needs to do the same by pitching at least seven innings tonight versus the Cardinals.

Wilson has yet to make a quality start in the postseason, which is unacceptable for the ace of a staff.

Manager Ron Washington needs all the advantages he can get going back to St. Louis. A rested bullpen could prove invaluable in Games 6 and 7.

And its all in the hands of the ace. 

Stop Albert Pujols

C.J. Wilson will need to be at his best to just to contain "The Machine." 

Albert Pujols tied a World Series record with three home runs in Game 3.

Though Derek Holland was able to contain Pujols in Game 4, the Cardinals' slugger is able at any to change a series with one swing of the bat.

Wilson cannot afford to put runners on in front of Pujols. At the very least, Wilson needs to pitch to Pujols with no men on, and at worst give up a solo home run.

The talent Pujols possesses demands perfection from the opposing pitcher.

Wilson better bring it. 

Bolster His Free Agent Resume

C.J. Wilson is a free agent at the end of the season.

His agent may advertise Wilson's 2.94 ERA in 2011 and 1.19 WHIP. Surely Wilson's 206 strikeouts will be brought up as a case for Wilson getting No. 1 starter money on the market.

However, when a general manager looks at Wilson as a postseason performer, what will Wilson have to show?

Right now, the numbers are not pretty. Wilson is 0-3 in the 2011 postseason, starting against fellow aces such as Chris Carpenter and Justin Verlander.

Heck, Wilson was even out-pitched by rookie Matt Moore in the ALDS.

To get paid like the best, you have to beat the best. Wilson has his last chance tonight against Carpenter. If the moment gets the best of Wilson once again, expect a slightly lighter paycheck for the left-hander come the offseason. 

Rehabilitate His Reputation

C.J. Wilson has a career 5.32 postseason ERA. 

His 2011 postseason ERA is 7.17.

Hardly the stuff of an ace pitcher. Not exactly what one expects from a Game 1 starter.

It is time to step up, Mr. Wilson. Time to prove that you are the leader of a championship-caliber staff.

Most importantly, time to show Rangers fans and management why losing the sweepstakes for Cliff Lee wasn't so bad after all.

One great postseason start can move mountains. Just ask Derek Holland.

Your move, C.J.