Game Six

It's been a party atmosphere in St. Louis for two days. Pujols homer was so improbable; offered such a swing of emotions, us "goobers" as we were called in the Houston press, couldn't help but celebrate.

While I'm sure the team feels pumped up, I doubt they're celebrating. It's just not LaRussa's style. Nor is it Pujols', for that matter.

I'm more curious about the Astros. The word out of Houston was that the Astros were tight as they got on the plane. Apparently, the first fifteen minutes of the flight to St. Louis were silent, and everyone was tense. Then, the story goes, tonight’s starter Roy Oswalt jumped out of his seat and looked out the window.

"Oh my God," he said. "Our plane just got hit by Pujols' HR ball."

The plane apparently loosened up immediately and guys started joking with each other.

I got the story from Rome's show today. I don't know if it is true, but think if it is.

First, the Astros are admitting they needed loosening. They are admitting they were tight. And Oswalt apparently felt enough of it to do something about it.

That's why the first three innings are crucial tonight. Biggio will step to the plate tonight at 7:28 and give Houston a gutty at-bat. Is there any other Astro they'd rather send up to set a tone? To try to start to steal back some momentum?

He had two hits off Mulder in Game 3. They were his first career hits off Mulder in 18 at bats.

Taveres will likely follow Biggio tonight, as he's hit Mulder well in his career.

Throwing up a goose-egg in inning one is huge. The Astros have admitted they need cheering up. The Cards can't let them start to feel it.

The key for Mulder, as always, is to keep the ball down. Look for grounders, grounders, grounders. If he's up, look for Marquis, and quickly.

Assuming Mulder is on; can Nunez, who will likely start tonight, field? Is Grudzielanek awake? Will the grounders find the holes?

There is your ballgame for the Astros.

For the Cards, it will be interesting to see if the offense comes alive. Will Oswalt let them? Five Cards (Edmonds, Pujols, Grudzielanek, Nunez and Walker) all have over 20 career at-bats against Oswalt, so there won't be any fooling them. Larry and Albert both hit over .330 against Oswalt.

For complete stats, check out the ESPN Stat Pack at: http://sportsmed.starwave.com/AdobePDF/mlb251019124.pdf

A couple of early runs, and Garner may feel some pressure to go to his pen. Garner has been remarkably restrained this year, using Lidge for multiple innings only once.

Remember last year, with every pitcher taking the mound in every conceivable situation? I still think Garner has it in him to panic. A little offensive pressure, and he just might.

The Cards offense has momentum. Momentum in baseball, they say, is only as good as today's starting pitcher.

Mulder and Oswalt, the hill is yours.