Game 9 Preview: History Awaits in Baltimore
After a series that's featured everything from pitching duels to offensive explosions, from rain-soaked classics to momentum swings, it all comes down to this. Game 9 at Camden Yards. Winner take all. The Orioles seeking their first title since 2039 on their home turf, the Cardinals trying to become the first team to win Games 7, 8, and 9 on the road to end their drought stretching back to 2011.
The Pitching Matchup
Baltimore is going all-in with their ace,
Jesús Dávilos. The 22-year-old Dominican has been everything you could want in a franchise pitcher, posting a 2.44 ERA over 243.2 innings this season. His postseason numbers have been equally impressive, and now he gets the chance to close it out in front of the Camden faithful.
The Cardinals' starter remains unannounced, but the whispers around the visitors' clubhouse suggest we might see something unprecedented. With
Urban Henry potentially available out of the bullpen for the first time in his career, the Cardinals could piece together a "bullpen game" that ends with their ace closing things out.
The Series So Far
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Game 1: BAL 3, STL 2
Game 2: BAL 7, STL 0
Game 3: BAL 4, STL 3
Game 4: STL 10, BAL 0
Game 5: BAL 3, STL 2
Game 6: BAL 7, STL 1
Game 7: STL 6, BAL 1
Game 8: STL 4, BAL 2
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The Numbers Game
The Cardinals' pitching stats this series tell a fascinating story.
Mark Wleh has been otherworldly (1.24 ERA in 29 IP), while
Oscar Regalado has struggled mightily (10.54 ERA).
Chase Benjamin's perfect 9-inning performance in Game 8 gives the Cardinals hope that they can piece together another masterpiece, even away from Busch Stadium.
The Key Decision
The Cardinals' pitching decision might be the most crucial of the series. Do they start someone like
Kelly Gibbons (despite his 12.60 ERA in his one series appearance) and save Henry for relief, or do they roll the dice with Henry on short rest? The bullpen has been solid, with
Logan Cash (4.26 ERA) and others providing reliable innings.
The Bottom Line
This series has defied conventional wisdom at every turn. Baltimore dominated early, winning the first three games at home, watched St. Louis steal momentum, but now returns to Camden Yards with a chance to celebrate in front of their home crowd. The Cardinals have won two straight, but must now do something no team has done before - win Games 7, 8, and 9 of a World Series with the final three all coming on the road.
In the end, it might come down to which manager plays their pitching cards right. Baltimore's strategy is clear with Dávilos. The Cardinals' approach - particularly regarding Henry's potential relief appearance - could be the difference between celebration and heartbreak.
History at Stake: Game 9's Place in Baseball Lore
As Baltimore and St. Louis prepare for just the sixth decisive Game 9 since the best-of-nine format returned in 2043, it's worth noting the historical weight of tonight's matchup. This isn't just about two teams seeking to end championship droughts - it's about adding their names to a very select list of teams who've gone the distance in baseball's most grueling format.
Best-of-Nine Decisive Games (Since 2043)
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2045: Boise Spuds def. Mets
2049: Brewers def. Sacramento
2061: Mets def. Twins
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The Ladder playoff format, reintroduced in 2059, has added another layer of intrigue to this matchup. The Cardinals, having earned their way to the World Series through the traditional path, face a Baltimore team that dominated the American League all season to secure their spot.
What makes tonight particularly special is that no team has ever overcome a 4-2 deficit in a best-of-nine World Series. The Cardinals aren't just trying to end their 51-year championship drought - they're attempting to make history in a format that's seen just three previous Game 9s in the modern era.
The last team to win a decisive World Series game on the road? The 2061 Mets at Minnesota. Before that, you have to go back to the best-of-seven era and the 2036 Dodgers winning Game 7 in Seattle.
Tonight at Camden Yards, we're not just watching Game 9 of the 2062 World Series. We're watching a potential chapter in baseball's evolving history, as two storied franchises face off in a format that continues to produce unprecedented moments.