World Series: Game 2

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers return to action in Game 2 of the World Series Thursday night at Busch Stadium.

The starting pitchers for both teams in Game 1 got off to efficient starts before the game turned into an battle of the minds between St. Louis Manager Tony La Russa and his Texas counterpart, Ron Washington. La Russa came out on top, wielding five relievers to guide the Cardinals to a 3-2 victory.

There is still a lack of familiarity between these teams, which both Game 2 starters said earlier this week would be a factor.

Jaime Garcia, a 25-year-old left-hander, will start for the Cardinals and look to earn his first postseason win. He is 0-3 this October with a 5.74 earned run average.

“Just got to get ahead in the count, keep the ball down and just basically keep them out of balance,” Garcia said of the Rangers’ potent lineup. “But it’s going to be a challenge. They’ve never faced me, I’ve never faced them. I’m just going to go out there and try to do my thing.”

Colby Lewis, a 32-year-old right-hander, takes the mound for the Rangers. He is 1-1 this month with a 3.86 E.R.A.

“It’s kind of all or nothing,” Lewis said of his mentality. “You go out there and you don’t know if you’re going to get the ball again. It’s something you go out and you let it all hang out, and whatever happens, happens.”