League Championship Series News

Postseason

Championship Series:
AL: Red Sox-Yankees, Gm 7
NL: Astros-Cardinals, Gm 7

Division Series:
AL: Twins-Yankees
AL: Red Sox-Angels
NL: Dodgers-Cards
NL: Astros-Braves

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10/21, GAME 7: Cardinals 5, Astros 2 Wrap >

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Cards heading to World Series

By Matthew Leach / MLB.com 10/21/2004

Scott Rolen's home run off Astros ace Roger Clemens lifted the Cardinals to their first World Series since 1987. Full story >

A celebration of greatness NLCS provided beautiful display of baseball at its best

Fall Classic will be well red Redbirds to meet Red Sox in 2004 World Series

Game balls: Rating Game 7 Rolen blasts Cards back to first Series since 1987

Facts machine Home teams get split decision in 2004 LCS Game 7's

GMC Professional Grade NLCS Game 7 Report Card

Complete NLCS stats Games 1-7 by the numbers

Baseball Daily News / Astros

One step short of the goal Astros' dream run ends with heartbreaking Game 7 loss

Charmed run for Series falls short Biggio leads off with homer, but Cards pull away late

Clemens thankful for special year Rocket gracious in defeat after taking loss in Game 7

Gallo: Club proud of thrilling season Astros took their game to another level in second half

Biggio belts record-setting homer First-inning blast sets new NLCS mark with 24

Notes: Club eager to play Game 7 GM Hunsicker proud of Astros, win or lose

Phil Garner postgame quotes Manager says his team had a fantastic run

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

MVP Pujols wins superstar battle Cardinals slugger, Beltran thrived on bright NLCS stage

Rolen's 'little' homer big for Cards Third baseman's blast puts St. Louis ahead to stay

Edmonds' catch deflates Astros Highlight-reel dive snuffs potential rally in second

Suppan gets the job done Cardinals veteran has pitched both series clinchers

St. Louis 'pen steps up in clutch Relievers limit Astros to one run in final two games

Cards ready for next challenge St. Louis to face Boston for third time in Fall Classic

Williams to start Fall Classic opener Haren, Carpenter are wild cards for Cardinals

La Russa returns to Fall Classic Cards skipper trying to join Anderson in record book

Notes: Womack shrugs off spasms Cedeno remains on bench; bullpen stocked for Game 7

Rolen, Pujols postgame quotes Teammates discuss winning NLCS pennant

Tony La Russa postgame quotes Manager says he has a unique club

10/20, GAME 6: Cardinals 6, Astros 4 Wrap >

Cardinals even up NLCS

By Matthew Leach / MLB.com 10/20/2004

Jim Edmonds crushed a two-run homer in the bottom of the 12th inning to lift the Cards past the Astros in Game 6 of the NLCS. Full story >

Spirit of St. Louis flies sky high Redbirds pass big test with clutch Game 6 victory

Despite loss, Astros in good shape Houston has rested Clemens ready for Game 7

Pujols, Beltran simply super Both players have made NLCS a personal playground

Seven help us Thrill-a-minute NLCS comes down to decisive game

Game balls: Rating Game 6 Tavarez's redeeming outing sets up Edmonds' heroics

GMC Professional Grade NLCS Game 6 Report Card

NLCS stats Games 1-6 by the numbers

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Astros drop Game 6 nail-biter Bagwell ties it in the ninth, but Cards homer wins it in 12

Rocket ready to fire in Game 7 Astros thrilled to have ace on hill in NLCS finale

Astros short hops Club gears for yet another must-win situation

Gallo: We're ready for Game 7 Reliever impressed with bullpen's efforts

Notes: Lamb gets first playoff start Third baseman in Game 6 lineup in place of Ensberg

Facts machine Home teams get split decision in 2004 LCS Game 7's

Phil Garner postgame quotes Thinks Game 7 will be another close, good game

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Punchy Tavarez terrific in return Reliever tosses two perfect innings with broken fingers

Suppan set for Game 7 start Cards right-hander tossed NLDS clincher over Dodgers

Cardinals short hops Bullpen pitches seven impressive innings

Sanders: Cards showed heart Bullpen key to Game 6 victory over Houston

Womack leaves with back spasms Second baseman's status for Game 7 unknown

Notes: Tavarez fine eats at skipper La Russa says Cards unfairly treated; lineup unchanged

Pujols, Edmonds postgame quotes Players say there's no one hero on the team

Jeff Suppan postgame quotes Pitcher talks about making deciding Game 7 start

10/19, OFF-DAY

Molony: Munro the right move

By Jim Molony 10/19/2004

Some might second-guess Phil Garner's decision to start Pete Munro over future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens in Game 6 of the NLCS, but the Astros skipper made the right call. Full story >

Unfamiliar situation for St. Louis Pressure on Cards heading back to Busch for Game 6

NLCS Game 6 Hotsheet 10 things to consider before Wednesday's game

Astros, Red Sox try to make history Comebacks would be record-setting

Facts machine NLCS Game 6 can be dramatic

NLCS stats Games 1-5 by the numbers

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Garner turns to Munro for Game 6 Righty confident he can help Astros reach Fall Classic

Lidge making a name for himself Astros closer emerging as star, much like K-Rod in '02

Notes: Rave reviews for Lidge Astros closer being compared to Yankees' Rivera

Pete Munro off-day quotes Pitcher talks about his reaction to getting Game 6 start

Phil Garner off-day quotes Manager discusses decision to start Munro Game 6

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Cards counting on Morris Redbirds need victory in Game 6 to avoid elimination

Carpenter throws off mound Injured Cardinals ace encouraged by outing

Notes: Cards happy to be home Redbirds undefeated at Busch this postseason

Walk down memory lane Cards' 1964 heroes recall World Series upset of Yanks

Matt Morris off-day quotes Cardinals pitcher believes in his team

Tony La Russa off-day quotes Cardinals manager talks about endurance

10/18, GAME 5: Astros 3, Cardinals 0 Wrap >

Astros walk off with NLCS lead

By Alyson Footer / MLB.com 10/18/2004

Jeff Kent's three-run homer with one out in the bottom of the ninth lifted the Houston Astros to a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. Full story >

Texas-sized victory in Game 5 Kent's magic brings Astros one win from World Series

Astros, Cards downright defensive Both teams play huge in the field to back pitchers' duel

Unfamiliar situation for St. Louis Pressure on Cards heading back to Busch for Game 6

Game balls: Rating Game 5 Kent, Astros are Backe in the high life again

NLCS stats Games 1-5 by the numbers

GMC Professional Grade NLCS Game 5 Report Card

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Backe's brilliance boosts Astros Remarkable rookie allows one hit in eight solid innings

Garner mulls over Game 6 starter Manager debating whether to start Clemens or Munro

No homers, but Beltran does deliver Center fielder makes great grab, starts winning rally

Gallo: Thrill of the walk-off Reliever tips his cap to heroic efforts of Backe, Lidge

Astros short hops Teams set record for fewest hits in an NLCS game

Notes: Game 6 starter undecided Vizcaino is where he wants to be; Garner relaxed

Facts machine Astros virtually unbeatable at home since late August

Decibels toll for hometown Astros Minute Maid Park fans emerge as 10th man for Houston

Jeff Kent postgame quotes Second baseman talks about his game-winning homer

Brandon Backe postgame quotes Pitcher says he channeled his emotions on the mound

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Cardinals fall on homer in ninth Redbirds trail 3-2 in NLCS after Astros' Game 5 victory

Williams a one-hit wonder Cards' starter takes no-decision despite tossing gem

Cards confident heading home St. Louis winners in last four playoff games at Busch

Cardinals short hops Redbirds face elimination after third straight loss

Sanders not disappointed by loss Outfielder says Cards simply lost well-played game

Tavarez injures left hand Cards reliever broke two bones after leaving game

Notes: Carp making progress Cards ace might be cleared to resume pitching soon

Facts machine Cards' pen not as sharp in NLCS as in regular season

Tony La Russa postgame quotes Manager likes team's chances Wednesday

10/17, GAME 4: Astros 6, Cardinals 5 Wrap >

Astros draw even in NLCS

By Alyson Footer / MLB.com 10/17/2004

Carlos Beltran's tie-breaking solo homer off Julian Tavarez in the seventh frame lifted the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win, and tied the best-of-seven National League Championship Series at 2 before a sellout crowd of 42,760 Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. Full story >

Beltran emerging as Señor Octubre Carlos' record homer streak has Astros back in NLCS

Backe in the saddle Astros hope young righty can defeat Williams in Game 5

Game balls: Rating Game 4 Beltran bops out breaking ball to lead Astros to victory

La Russa remembers '89 quake Skipper led A's to World Series sweep over Giants

Early NLCS fireworks continue Clubs have scored a total of 13 runs in opening frame

NLCS stats Games 1-4 by the numbers

Baseball Daily News / Astros

'Lights Out' Lidge slams door Wheeler earns Game 4 win with solid relief work

Berkman enjoying the ride Red-hot outfielder content as Beltran shines brightly

Backe back on mound for Game 5 Righty aims to pitch Astros to 3-2 NLCS lead at home

Gallo: Bullpen can get the job done Astros feed off positive energy from hometown fans

Facts machine Astros virtually unbeatable at home since late August

Astros short hops Club has momentum, history on its side after win

Notes: Lidge available for Game 4 Clemens exudes intensity; Astros fans backing Backe

Carlos Beltran postgame quotes Discusses his very productive offensive postseason

Lance Berkman postgame quotes Right fielder discusses the team attitude

Brad Lidge postgame quotes Closer addresses media after Houston evens series

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Cards see early lead slip away Pujols homers, drives in three runs against Astros

Homer unnerves Tavarez Reliever tagged with loss; Cards 'pen struggles

Another big day for Pujols Cardinals slugger connects for third NLCS homer

Williams set for start before family Texas native to take the hill for Cardinals in Game 5

Facts machine Cards' pen not as sharp in NLCS as in regular season

Cardinals short hops Redbirds watch another NLCS lead vanish

Cardinals' Sanders still confident Outfielder not in lineup for Game 4 loss to Astros

Notes: Mabry starts in left Molina spells Matheny at catcher in Game 4

Tony La Russa postgame quotes Manager talks about Game 4 loss, Cards' pitching

10/16, GAME 3: Astros 5, Cardinals 2 Wrap >

Astros ride Clemens in Game 3

By Alyson Footer / MLB.com 10/16/2004

The Astros knew they could absolutely not afford to lose another game against the Cardinals. That's probably why only Roger Clemens and Brad Lidge pitched in this game, and probably also why the Astros won, 5-2. Full story >

Clemens cements greatness label Pitcher is at his best when Astros need him the most

Marquis matchup ahead for Roy Oswalt hopes to match Clemens' gem in Game 4

Game balls: Rating Game 3 Astros get star turn from Clemens in victory

Video tribute honors Caminiti Former slugger remembered before Game 3

NLCS stats Games 1-3 by the numbers

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Bittersweet time for Astros' Pettitte Happy for wife, Clemens, but wishes he was pitching

Lidge saves game, maybe series Astros closer silences Cardinals when it counts most

Kent all business after big homer Second baseman just happy to help Astros prevail

Beltran having tater-ific NLCS Astros star belts seventh long ball of postseason

Beltran pulls into tie with Bonds Sluggers share single-season playoff homer mark

Astros short hops NLCS runs continue to score courtesy of long ball

Gallo: Astros matching up well Houston's offense proving just as potent as St. Louis'

Facts machine Astros virtually unbeatable at home since late August

Oswalt ready for crucial start NL's only 20-game winner to face Cards on Sunday

Notes: Garner hoping to relax Pair of aces in weekend games could give 'pen a rest

Roger Clemens postgame quotes Rocket discusses his winning performance

Phil Garner postgame quotes Manager comments on Clemens, Lidge, Beltran

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Clemens slows down Cardinals Walker, Edmonds homer for Redbirds' only runs

After tough first, Suppan impresses Right-hander retires last 10 hitters faced in Game 3

Cards 'pen shrugs off rough Game 3 Haren, King surrender long balls late in loss to Astros

Marquis focused on Game 4 start Righty not upset about getting pushed back

Cardinals short hops Game 3 continues to torment Cards hitters

Facts machine Cards' pen not as sharp in NLCS as in regular season

Notes: Ailing Kline rejoins club Cards lefty likely unavailable for a day or two

For 63 years, Cards all Red Hall of Famer Schoendienst still enjoys role in game

Tony La Russa postgame quotes Despite loss, manager pleased with team's play

Jason Marquis pregame quotes Cardinals pitcher on bouncing back from last start

10/15, OFF-DAY

Will NLCS power surge continue?

By Mark Newman / MLB.com 10/15/2004

After watching the Cardinals and Astros combine for 11 home runs, 27 runs and 41 hits in the first two games of the NLCS, one only can wonder what might be in store when the series moves to Minute Maid Park for Game 3 at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Full story >

Astros like their aces in the hole Clemens, Oswalt give Houston plenty of confidence

Astros' Beltran peaking at right time Bagwell: 'He's someone I'd pay to watch play'

NLCS Game 3 Hotsheet 10 things to chew on before Saturday's game

NLCS stats Games 1 and 2 by the numbers

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Clemens gets ball at crunch time Rocket charged up for Game 3 start against Cardinals

Wheeler a bright spot in bullpen Righty has pitched four scoreless innings in NLCS

Notes: Astros remember Caminiti Ex-teammates attend service for gritty third baseman

Phil Garner off-day quotes Manager discusses the attitude of the club

Roger Clemens off-day quotes Pitcher happy to share the excitement in Houston

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Cards turn to Suppan in Game 3 Redbirds starter pitched clincher in NLDS

Kline gets good news on finger Cardinals reliever might only miss two games

Notes: Cedeno might start Cards outfielder has strong numbers vs. Clemens

Tony La Russa off-day quotes Manager not worried about team losing focus

Jeff Suppan off-day quotes Comments on going head-to-head with Clemens

10/14, GAME 2: Cardinals 6, Astros 4 Wrap >

Cards win with long ball

By Matthew Leach / MLB.com 10/14/2004

Scott Rolen belted two of the Cardinals' four homers as they scored all their runs via the long ball to beat the Astros. Full story >

Cards scarier with Rolen rolling Banged-up cleanup hitter puts a hurting on Astros

Astros like their aces in the hole Clemens, Oswalt give Houston plenty of confidence

From big chill to big thrill Cards overcome brisk weather to tally four jacks

Game balls: Rating Game 2 Cardinals go deep four times to take 2-0 lead

GMC NLCS Game 2 Report Card

Umpire Rapuano leaves Game 2 Comes out of game in second inning with dizziness

Pujols stars in glove story Umps rule first baseman didn't throw glove at ball

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Game 2 escapes Astros late Ensberg, two RBIs; Beltran hits sixth homer of playoffs

Astros' bullpen woes strike again Houston relievers can't preserve Game 2 lead

Astros pleased with Munro's effort Righty not bothered by inclement conditions

Astros short hops Club struggling to keep up with Cards in homer contest

Gallo: No sense of urgency Confident Astros looking forward to home games

Beltran pulls into tie with Bonds Sluggers share single-season playoff homer mark

Notes: Kent shrugs off bum ankle New faces help offense come alive in postseason

Scruffy 'Stros shun shaves It's 'win or use a razor' for some Houston players

Phil Garner postgame quotes Manager discussses choices in Game 2

Morgan Ensberg postgame quotes Third baseman talks about Astros' frustrations

Phil Garner pregame quotes Astros manager discusses his team's chances

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Pujols' power lifts Cards in playoffs Slugger's swats key homer, fourth of postseason

'Pen holds off Astros, but Kline hurt Southpaw leaves after two hitters; Calero clutch in win

Cardinals short hops Redbirds in unfamiliar territory with 2-0 series lead

Sanders not overconfident Cardinals focused as series shifts to Houston

Facts machine History on Cardinals' side

Notes: Carpenter's return unlikely La Russa: 'It would be a big surprise if he is ready'

Frankly speaking, food sales brisk Busch concessionaire keeps busy during playoffs

Tony La Russa postgame quotes Skipper pleased with club's effort in first two games

Rolen, Pujols postgame quotes Cardinals stars look to keep playing well in Houston

Tony La Russa pregame quotes Cardinals manager talks about strategy

10/13, GAME 1: Cardinals 10, Astros 7 Wrap >

Cards overpower Astros

By Matthew Leach / MLB.com 10/14/2004

Jim Edmonds drove in three runs, Albert Pujols homered and Larry Walker almost hit for the cycle as the Cards beat the Astros. Full story >

Cardinals are jacks of all trades Small ball, long ball -- these Redbirds can do it all

Brace for live bats in Game 2 Morris, Munro assigned task of slowing potent offenses

Game balls: Rating Game 1 Cardinals use big inning to get best of Astros

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Quartet of homers can't save Astros Beltran blasts fifth home run of postseason

Munro to make first playoff start Right-hander earns nod in Game 2 of NLCS

Bad breaks plague Astros in opener Backe: 'They were lucky, we were not'

Beltran stays hot at plate in NLCS Center fielder hits fifth homer of 2004 postseason

Beltran pulls into tie with Bonds Sluggers share single-season playoff homer mark

Astros short hops Offense is there, but bullpen yields too much

Notes: Astros underdogs yet again Houston doesn't mind that St. Louis is NLCS favorite

Gallo: It's going to be a slugfest Despite a few bad breaks, Game 1 is a positive sign

Phil Garner postgame quotes Manager comments on pivitol sixth inning

Pete Munro, pregame quotes Game 2 starter thinks team enjoys underdog role

Phil Garner, pregame quotes Says he'll give his players best chance to perform

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Cards put game away in sixth Six-run rally too much for Astros to overcome

Cards hope for 'good' Morris Game 2 starter has struggled to be consistent

Rolen snaps playoff skid Cardinals third baseman delivers key RBI single

Walker stars in his first NLCS game Veteran outfielder collects single, double, triple

Redbirds plate double-digit runs Big night for bats among top Cards postseason games

Cardinals short hops Current club most powerful since Gas House Gang

Sanders lauds Game 1 victory Cardinals outfielder pleased with team effort

Notes: Righty seeks playoff return Carpenter receives encouraging news from doctor

Larry Walker postgame quotes Slugger talks about Cards' potent lineup

Albert Pujols postgame quotes Says veterans know how to come up big

Tony La Russa postgame quotes Manager pleased with team's constant composure

Matt Morris, pregame quotes Game 2 starter says control is the key

ASTROS-CARDINALS PREVIEW

Rest entirely up to Astros, Cardinals

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com 10/12/2004

After battling past the Braves in five games, the Astros are plain tuckered out. After breezing past the Dodgers, the Cardinals are well-rested. Which team does that favor? We'll find out starting Wednesday night in St. Louis. Full story >

NLCS Game 1 Hotsheet 10 topics buzzing around the Cardinals and Astros

Red-hot Astros still an underdog Houston's on a roll, but Cardinals as good as it gets

Walker, Beltran enjoying new spots Midseason acquisitions mean the world to new clubs

NLCS closers a special breed Isringhausen, Lidge remain cool in pressure situations

Astros-Cards head to head How the teams fared against each other in 2004

Position analysis: Cards vs. Astros Breaking down the NLCS position matchups

Pitching analysis: Cards vs. Astros Breaking down the NLCS mound matchups

O Zone in the postseason RISP statistic provides insight into series outcomes

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Backe to start Game 1 for Astros Big-game success has team believing in youngster

Garner's success a familiar story Astros manager takes road similar to Marlins' McKeon

Astros staff ready to take it to Cards Houston hurlers won't quake in face of monster lineup

Notes: Rotation has different look Astros comfortable, but humble, facing the Cards

Besting Braves like living a dream But Astros reliever says more special moments await

Astros have date with rival Cards Club has won six of its last seven games vs. St. Louis

Astros keys to victory in NLCS Five points for Houston to hit on road to World Series

Brandon Backe, workout quotes Pitcher talks about being named Game 1 starter

Phil Garner, workout day quotes Astros manager talks about NLCS challenges

Baseball Daily News / Cardinals

Williams gets start in Game 1 Right-hander grew up in Houston rooting for Astros

Respect won't prevent rivalry Cards anticipate hard-fought series against Astros

La Russa has Cards on road to ring Cards skipper makes ninth appearance in LCS

Notes: Suppan makes impression Right-hander would start possible Game 7

No secrets between Cards, Astros Division rivals well versed in each other's tendencies

Cards to hook up with Astros NL Central rivals to square off in NLCS

Cardinals keys to victory in NLCS Five things for St. Louis to accomplish on path to victory

Tony La Russa, workout day quotes Cardinals manager on pitching rotation

Woody Williams, workout quotes Cards starter looks forward to Game 1