SAN FRANCISCO – The St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco Giants 6-4 in the opening game of the National League Championship Series. The defending World Series champions built an early 6-0 lead and then hung on to win the game thanks a strong performance by its bullpen.
Former Giant Carlos Beltran and reigning World Series Most Valuable Player David Freese each hit 2-run home runs to lead the St. Louis offense. Two nights after its improbable 2-run, 2-out, 2-strike 9th inning rally in Game 5 of the National League Divisional Series in Washington, the Cardinals won again on the road for its third road win in four road playoff games. For the Giants, they have lost all three of their home games this postseason.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night. Chris Carpenter pitches for the St. Louis against Ryan Vogelsong of San Francisco. First pitch is scheduled for 5:07pm.
