Chris Carpenter was credited the win on Wednesday in Game 3 of the NLCS as his St. Louis Cardinals put away the Milwaukee Brewers, 4-3. But Carpenter was far from his usual self, lasting just the minimum -- five innings -- while allowing three runs on six hits while striking out two.
Cardinals vs. Brewers: Chris Carpenter Ties Club Record With Help From Stellar Bullpen
Thanks to a brilliant bullpen and a first-inning offensive outburst by the Cardinals, though, Carpenter recorded his seventh postseason win, tying Bob Gibson’s franchise record. Following the game, the praise went straight to the St. Louis bullpen, which closed out the last four innings of the game without allowing a base-runner.
"You never know how it's going to work out," Carpenter said. "That's what's so fun about this game and that's what's so fun about pitching. Our guys did a fabulous job."
"We've won games in several ways," Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman said. "Tonight's was the bullpen's night to shine."
Carpenter slogged through his five innings of work, but did just enough to keep the Cardinals alive and in front before turning it over to a bullpen that looked other-worldly on Wednesday night. And with those four perfect innings of relief, St. Louis took a 2-1 advantage in the NLCS, seizing control of the series, if only momentarily.
For more on the game, check out the Baseball Nation live-blog and Jeff Sullivan’s recap.
See More:
