|
2062 World Series Preview: A Clash of Historic Powers
For the first time since 1944's all-St. Louis showdown - when the Orioles were still the Browns - these two storied franchises meet in October. The St. Louis Cardinals (100-62) seek their first World Series title since 2011, while the Baltimore Orioles (101-61) chase their first championship since 2039.
Legacy on the Line
The Cardinals' 24th National League pennant gives them a chance to add to their historic total of 11 World Series championships, though their 51-year title drought is their longest since the franchise's founding. Meanwhile, the Orioles are appearing in their 9th Fall Classic (8th since moving to Baltimore), seeking their 5th title overall.
The Matchup
St. Louis dominated the National League with baseball's most efficient offense (.327 team average, MLB-best .345 OBP). Centerfielder Leuri Ramirez (.327/.379/.544, 26 HR, 121 RBI) and first baseman Archer Fernández (.318/.429/.524, 26 HR) anchor a lineup that pressures opposing pitchers from top to bottom.
Perhaps even more impressive has been their postseason pitching. Veteran ace Urban Henry has been nearly unhittable in October, going 2-0 with a microscopic 0.56 ERA. Not to be outdone, Mark Wleh has matched him with a 2-0 record and 0.64 ERA in his postseason starts. This one-two punch has elevated St. Louis's championship hopes from strong to formidable.
Baltimore counters with MLB's best regular season pitching staff (3.62 ERA), led by lefty ace Jesús Dávilos (18-6, 2.44 ERA, 243.2 IP). Shortstop Buster Moreno (.289/.383/.499, 22 HR) spearheads an offense that tied for the AL lead with 231 home runs.
Key Storylines
- The unstoppable force meets the immovable object: St. Louis's red-hot playoff rotation vs. Baltimore's season-long pitching dominance
- Baltimore's elite bullpen (led by closer Uranio Escarcega's 22 saves) against St. Louis's late-inning offensive prowess
- The Cardinals' aggressive baserunning vs. Baltimore's stellar defensive efficiency (.708, 2nd in AL)
Projected Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Henry (STL, 2-0, 0.56 ERA postseason) vs. Dávilos (BAL)
Game 2: Wleh (STL, 2-0, 0.64 ERA postseason) vs. Núńez (BAL)
Game 3: Regalado (STL) vs. Nemerov (BAL)
Game 4: Gibbons (STL) vs. Hercules (BAL)
The Bottom Line
While Baltimore owned the regular season pitching headlines, St. Louis's rotation has found another gear in October. The Cardinals' combination of baseball's best offense and suddenly unhittable starting pitching makes them a formidable favorite, despite lacking home-field advantage.
Baltimore's championship drought and home field edge will provide plenty of motivation, but they'll need to solve the Henry-Wleh puzzle that's stifled everyone else this postseason. Something has to give between these two powerhouses.
Prediction: Cardinals in 6
|