Game Seven Preview

    The pen was mere inches from writing "Texas Rangers, 2011 World Series Champions" in the writing book, but then the unthinkable happened.
    The Rangers blew not one, not two, but three save opportunities before falling in 11 innings, 10-9 to force a winner-take-all Game Seven tonight. After coming within one strike of franchise history, can the Rangers rebound to take the title or will the Cardinals build off of their dramatic comeback and take Game Seven?
    The Cardinals will send their ace, Chris Carpenter to the hill in hopes that Carpenter will pitch the team to a championship. Carpenter will 11-9 during the regular season, but is an undefeated 3-0 during the postseason. The true aces come up biggest in crucial situations, and Carpenter has proven himself to be a big-game pitcher. Carpenter is capable of pitching shutout baseball and it will be interesting to see if he can deliver tonight.
    The Cardinals offense will be without Matt Holliday who injured his wrist last night. The injury means rookie Adron Chambers will take Holliday's place in the lineup. Chambers is 1 for 5 this postseason in limited action. However, any team that can send Albert Pujols to the plate has a chance to win.
    For the Rangers, Matt Harrison will get the start. Harrison has struggled during the playoffs, including allowed five runs, three of which were earned, in a Game Three loss. While Texas has a potent offense, they will need Harrison to pitch better than he has so far this postseason.
    Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli are both expected to play in Game Seven for the Rangers which will help their offensive potential and chemistry. Cruz strained his groin, while Napoli rolled his ankle last night.
    It all comes to Game Seven tonight and all pitchers will be available, according to both managers. The drama will unfold for a compelling night of action as a new champion will be crowned. With both of these teams having explosive offenses, the game should be decided late. In the end, the Cardinals should be able to continue their great play and capitalize on their multiple comebacks last night.

Prediction: Cardinals 7, Rangers 5 (Cardinals win World Series 4-3