Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Wainwright was far from disappointing in his game one start in the NLDS against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He wasn’t really challenged because of the large number of runs scored by the St. Louis Cardinals but he was dominant anyway. With the Pirates likely to win game three with a huge bonus starting in Francisco Liriano, Wainwright might need to prepare to pitch on short rest. The Cardinals as a whole should prepare to have their backs against the wall and Wainwright has pitched well enough to be considered a weapon on short rest.
All of this would be a mute point if they go out and reclaim the momentum in game three which is completely possible. Mike Matheny is certainly one of the better managers in baseball at being able to prepare his team. With that in mind he could have them well enough prepared that they steal a game in game three. However, he also will likely have a good plan in place just in case the Cardinals end up desperate.
For now they will remain confident and knowing their swagger will likely remain confident until they are eliminated from the playoffs or until they win it all. However far they go will be in large part dependent upon Wainwright’s usage and how his fellow starters are able to step up in support of him. He will not be able to do it all of course, but he has pitched well in relief in the past. Wainwright has enough hero inside of him that he is capable of anything his manager asks of him with the series on the line.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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