Los Angeles at St. Louis

The St. Louis Cardinals went to Los Angeles knowing if they could steal one game, they would have a chance to come home and win the series here. The Cards have been very tough at home all year as they finished with a 51-30 home record, tied for the best mark in the NL. Hyun-Jin Ryu is making his first start since September 12 after suffering shoulder problems, and he allowed four runs in that game prior to his exit. He may not be as sharp for this one with the long layoff, and he lost in his only start in St. Louis this season. John Lackey was brought over from Boston for this exact moment, and he has pitched very well down the stretch allowing three runs or less in seven of his last eight starts.  Lackey is 5-3 lifetime with a 1.93 ERA against Los Angeles and has pitched to a lot of post-season experience with good results at 3.03 over 19 post-season starts. Los Angeles has dropped four straight playoff road games, and Lackey has led the Cards to a 5-0 mark in his last five starts at home. The Dodgers have a poor history here at 18-40 in their last 58. Make the play on St. Louis.