There’s an old saying that goes with gambling that would apply to the first game of the World Series and it goes a little like this: If it looks to good to be true – it probably is.
The Tigers weren’t supposed to lose on Saturday. The Cardinals weren’t supposed to win. But hey, that’s why they play the game and that’s why all the pre-game hype and predictions fly right out the window after St. Louis mounts a 4-1 lead not three innings into Game 1. Detroit starter Justin Verlander (1-1) got smacked around pretty good against a fairly “talent less” Cardinals lineup, while Anthony Reyes (1-0) went eight solid innings and only allowed two runs on four hits. Besides giving up a double to Carlos Guillen in the first and a solo shot by Craig Monroe in the ninth, the Cardinals pitching staff keeps overachieving in the postseason. Nice night from Jim Edmonds (2 for 4, one run, one RBI) and Scott Rolen (2 for 4, two runs, one RBI).
Granted, it’s only one game. But didn’t the Tigers only take “one game” from the Oakland A’s at the start of the ALDS? Then it turned into two and all of a sudden Detroit turned out to be the team of destiny. If St. Louis takes Game 2 in Motown tomorrow night, then all of a sudden this series has been turned on its head.
Game 2 starters: Jeff Weaver (2-1) vs. Kenny Rogers (2-0).
