Lucky Seven?

As we brace ourselves for tonight's National League Championship Series game seven between the Giants and the Cardinals, the consensus appears to be shifting towards the Cards. Despite blowing a commanding 3-1 series lead, it has become a foregone conclusion that the Cardinals will find a way to win this game. This is the same Cardinals team that battled all the way back after spotting the Nationals a 6-0 lead in the deciding game five of the Division Series.  Furthermore, these are the defending World Series Champions, so their respect is well deserved.

While the Giants have matched their opponent so far this playoff season, with a dramatic three game sweep of the Reds on the road after losing their first two games at home, they appear to be winning through sheer will alone. Although the Giants have a formidable pitching staff, their offense consistently relies on role players delivering in the clutch. Unlike the Cardinals, there are not a lot of hitters in the Giants lineup that strike fear into opposing pitchers (except Buster Posey). That said, this is exactly how the Giants won the 2010 World Series when they faced a far superior offense in the Texas Rangers.

The Release:  Giants -135 Over the Cardinals. The Giants are sending their ace Matt Cain to the hill tonight.  While the line suggests that the Giants are the clear favorite tonight, all you have to do is turn on sports radio and the overwhelming consensus suggests a Cardinals victory tonight. This is less about momentum than it is about a clear pitching advantage. Cain will pitch spectacularly tonight and the Giants will find a way to get themselves into the World Series.