It will be Jaime Garcia against Jordan Zimmermann in Game 2 of the NLDS between the St. Louis Cardinals and the visiting Washington Nationals.
Garcia's only focus will be helping the Cardinals avoid an 0-2 hole as the series will shift to D.C. following Game 2.
The Cardinals had a chance to take the 1-0 lead yesterday, but their bullpen blew a marvelous start by right-hander Adam Wainwright late in the game.
The Nationals will not make it any easier for the Cardinals today as they will send Zimmermann to the mound.
Zimmermann had a breakout 2012 campaign though his record was only 12-8, his 2.94 ERA proved he was a dominant pitcher throughout the season. However, the Cardinals will not be intimidated. They faced Zimmermann back on the first of September and they touched him up for eight runs in 3.2 innings pitched.
Zimmermann is susceptible to the long ball as he allowed 18 homers during the regular season. Also, do not forget, it is Zimmermann's first postseason start. The Cardinals should have won yesterday after Gio Gonzalez walked seven hitters in his first playoff start, but they could not capitalize.
Garcia, on the other hand, has postseason experience. He was not the best for the Cardinals last season, but he, for the most part, always gave them a chance to win while on the mound. His worse outing last postseason came against the Milwaukee Brewers where he gave up six runs in four innings.
Garcia missed some time during the regular season with a shoulder injury. He went 7-7 with a 3.92 ERA in 20 starts.
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