[chsbletz]

If they win again tonight, they will have a whole lot more than just a shot. In fact, they'll be in the driver's seat.

[chsbletz]

Normally, the fifth game of a seven-game series is regarded as the pivotal game that is likely to determine the outcome of the overall series. Because of some special circumstances that are in play for game three, I tend to regard it as the pivotal game of this World Series. For example, the Tigers will be starting Nate Robertson, statistically their shakiest starter. He will be opposed by Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals' most effective starter, pitching in his home ball park. If the Cardinals win tonight, it will be the outcome almost everybody expects. But, if the Tigers find a way to win, they will put themselves in the driver's seat, because they will have gotten past Carpenter unscathed, they will guarantee a return of the series to Detroit, they will have won a game nobody expected them to win, and they will go ahead 2-1 in the series. Another consideration, if the Tigers win, is that the Cardinals will be put in a position in which game four will become a must-win game for them. Of course, if the Cardinals win the game, they will get the 2-1 lead in games and make game four critical for the Tigers. Look for managerial decisions to weigh heavily in the outcome. It should be fun to watch.

[desertrat]

Cardinals lead the series 3 games to 1 after winning game 4 by a score of 5 to 4. It was a classic game as they traded leads and battled all the way to the end. David Eckstein has stepped up and has been a pivotal player that last few games.

[flamnotspam]

The Tigers finally get their bats back and are still beaten down....another fielding error by a pitcher turns the game around. Watching this series I am strangely (and sadly) reminded of the last five games of the regular season for the Tigers....

[MJHMarc]

[Forecast!]

Detroit @ St. Louis
8.27 PM ET
Verlander vs. Weaver

[desertrat]

They're pitching Jeff Weaver instead of Anthony Reyes? I don't know that I like that decision too much. Reyes pitched great in game 1 and deserves to start again in my opinion.

[MVB]

But Weaver's been more consistent this poseason (believe it or not). He had one good start against San Diego, two great starts against the Mets, and one fair start against Detroit.

[MJHMarc]

[Game Update]

3-2, St. Louis in the Bot. 7th!

[EmpireWF]

Jeff Weaver has looked amazing. He's working into the 9th it looks like. Will La Russa stay with him?

[desertrat]

Hard to believe that was the same Jeff Weaver I saw pitch in Tempe back in spring training. How strange to sit and watch 5 former Angels take part in the win tonight for St Louis.

[MVB]

Eight innings, one earned run... Biggest game of Weaver's career.

[alv127]

Even the mighty Kenny rogers couldn't have saved the Tigers.. Woe is me...

[flamnotspam]

Don't fret, alv127....the Tigers are exceedingly young and they'll be back, and hopefully in better form, next year. Without those 8 unearned runs, the series would have been much closer, and they might have had a chance, but they were playing scared, and that can only be attributed to their youth and inexperience. A couple of vets simply aren't enough to settle an entire team of <25'ers!! Even Leyland couldn't harness those nerves. But it was a fantastic season for those boys....remember that this team hasn't even played better than .500 in thirteen years, and they made it all the to the World Series. Personally I was satisfied just to see them take the Yanks

[ThePundit]

Here's what I have to say about this series: