MLB World Series 2011 Schedule: Rangers Offense Set to Explode Against Garcia

The St. Louis Cardinals and their fans need to stop talking about having Chris Carpenter available to pitch Game 7.

You have to win Game 6 first, and that’s a lot easier said than done.

Jaime Garcia was spectacular in Game 2, pitching seven scoreless innings and giving up a measly three hits with seven strikeouts. It was a fantastic performance by every account.

That was then, this is now.

Pitchers use video to get a strong idea of the tendencies of hitters. It’s a legitimate advantage that pitchers have over a hitter he’s never faced.

Now the Rangers have seen his stuff live and have an enhanced idea of how to see the ball coming out of his hand, and his motion in general. Remember, this is a team that ranked first in MLB in batting average (.283), second in slugging (.460), third in runs (85) and fifth in on-base (.340).

This team knows how to hit.

Expect the Rangers offense to be more patient against Garcia this time around. They’ll work his pitch count and draw more walks. They aren’t the desperate team here.

People talk about how beneficial the extra day off is for the Cards because of getting Carpenter back, but what about Josh Hamilton?

The Rangers' best hitter has been hampered by what some think is a sports hernia. It has clearly affected him at the plate as his power has been drained to practically nothing. Another full day of treatment is going to go a long way for Game 6. Knowing this could be the last game for four months, he is going to fight through the pain either way.

The Cards had their chance to steal Game 5, but couldn’t get the big hit with runners in scoring position. They didn’t take advantage of a another spectacular Carpenter start.

You can contain the Rangers offense for only so long, and I think they get to Garcia early. Piling on the runs before having to face the incredible Cardinals bullpen should be the Rangers' game plan.

It’s been 51 years since Arlington residents were able to celebrate a championship for their baseball team…until tonight.

Prediction: Rangers 7, Cardinals 3