Game 6 of the World Series is scheduled for Thursday night in St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals are favored in the game at -113 (Risk $113 to win $100) while the Texas Rangers sit at +103 (Risk $100 to take back $203) with the total set at 7 (over -115). The Rangers have an opportunity to seal the World Series victory with a win tonight. It would be the first World Series crown for the Rangers. The Cardinals held a 2-1 series lead after three games but the Rangers have stormed back to win two of the last three to take a massive lead. First pitch for Thursday's game is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on FOX.
Free Analysis: Jaime Garcia didn't win the second game of this World Series, but that doesn't mean he's going to lose Game 6. Garcia is definitely a pitcher that benefits from being at home. In his four postseason starts to date, Garcia has a 1.93 ERA at home. He threw seven scoreless innings in Game 2 of the series, and probably should have won. However, St. Louis' bullpen couldn't keep it together and the Rangers were victorious. Colby Lewis will get the nod for the Rangers tonight. He also threw well in Game 2 with 6 2/3 innings. During that span he allowed just one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. Lewis, maybe a little different from Garcia, actually pitches better on the road. Nine of his 14 wins this season came on the road. Weather is going to be a big deal in tonight's game. It's supposed to be better in St. Louis Thursday, so it makes sense to not have to wait out the rain for this game on Wednesday night. I think the rest helps both teams, but if the Cardinals are to win Game 6, I think it helps them more, especially with being able to throw Chris Carpenter after getting an extra day of rest. Cold and windy temperatures will still be around for this contest, and it's much more of a pitcher's park than Texas. It's going to be tough to hit one out, but Texas will more than likely continue to try. I think Texas will continue to pitch around Albert Pujols in this game and Matt Holliday is going to have to come up big at some point, right? He has struggled immensely in this World Series. Texas, on the other hand, is proving why their offense is so lethal. It's tough to get any of these guys out in any given at bat, and it's even harder to have to come from behind.
Free Pick: I like St. Louis to win this game in a must-win situation. Jaime Garcia is in a good position to help his team get to a Game 7. I'm not sold on Colby Lewis but he has thrown well on the road this season. I think the extra day will help both teams, as I've said, but with a possible Chris Carpenter start looming for Game 7 and the Cardinals in a must-win situation, I think they get it done Thursday.