Game 3 = Pivotal Baseball

Any seven game series swings on the third game, especially after a split in the first two games.  In this case, the Cardinals have stolen home field advantage, and can win out at home without returning to Fenway.  The Red Sox, sending long time veteran Jake Peavy to the bump,  need this win to get back home one more time where anything can happen with fences reachable by heavy breathing.

If it weren't for the intangibles, I'd say the Red Sox are in trouble.

Something wonderfully determined about the Red Sox makes me favor them.  This series is the third consecutively where their starting pitching has not been favorable, but their depth in the bullpen stellar.  Third consecutive series where their lineup is about even, minus Stephen Drew, who has been biblically lousy with a bat, but exceptional with the glove.  If Xander Bogaerts weren't twenty-one, he'd probably be playing shortstop already, and it might be time to make the change.  Will Middlebrooks will outhit Stephen Drew and play decent third base.  Right now, I might be able to outhit Stephen Drew.

I marvel at how the Cardinal organization, inventors of the farm system, continue to produce young talent from within.  The three pitchers quieting Red Sox bats in Game 2 TOTALED 67 years of age.  I know people with corns that old.  Joe Kelly has been okay in his starts and needs to come up with a good start tonight to give the Cardinals a chance.  After a hiccup in Game 1, the Cardinals looked as solid as they have all year, hitting in timely fashion, and Carlos Beltran earns warrior stripes for playing through injury and producing.  Allen Craig or Matt Adams is a nice problem to have, but the answer could win them a Championship.

If it weren't for the intangibles, I'd say the Red Sox are in trouble.

David Ortiz, forced into the field, and Shane Victorino have been finding a way to get it done.  The bullpen has been solid, Koji Uehara, looking much like a young Trevor Hoffman, could close out the Pacific Ocean if needed.  It's all heart.

So...am I off base?