Could this finally be the year the Cards break their duck? They’ll know they’ve earned it if they do because this is a top-notch Red Sox squad, led of course by Yaz. He has a fine supporting cast, including Reggie Smith and Rico Petrocelli, with Davey Johnson having a fantastic season in the leadoff spot and veteran Doc White still showing plenty of oomph down in the 7 slot.
But the Cards have a simply outstanding pitching staff, of course with Gibson as its ace and Dave McNally almost his equal. They won 42 games between them this season and winning four more here is well within the realms of possibility. Their big problem is an absolute dearth of pop, with their highest HR total for the year being six. That leaves very little wriggle room for the pitchers.
The Cards’ home field advantage might be telling here, but I’m going to go the Sox in seven.