With their backs to the wall in Sunday's game, the San Francisco Giants have now forced the St. Louis Cardinals into a deciding Game 7 of the NLCS.  Monday night's elimination matchup will feature Kyle Lohse (16-3, 2.86 ERA) on the hill for the Cardinals up against Matt Cain (16-5, 2.79 ERA) of the Giants.

Out of all the starters in St. Louis' postseason rotation, Lohse has been the most reliable pitcher posting a 1.96 ERA.  Although he didn't make it out of the 6th inning in his Game 3 start, the right-hander only gave up one run on an RBI groundout to Pablo Sandoval. 

In his Game 3 outing, Matt Cain didn't exactly show his best stuff but did pitch 6 2/3 innings and let up three runs.  In his three regular season starts against the Cardinals this year, Cain is 1-2 with a 5.89 ERA.

St. Louis' injury woes continued as LF Matt Holliday was scratched from the Game 6 lineup.  Matt Carpenter made the start at first base while Allen Craig was moved to left field.  Carpenter got on base twice in the no. 2 hole while Carlos Beltran, who had been hindered with a strained knee, batted third.  Given Carpenter's successful track record against Cain, it is more than likely he'll be back in the lineup for Game 7.

On a positive note from Game 6, skipper Mike Matheny was able to rest most of his top relievers.  However, rookie Shelby Miller threw two strong innings, Fernando Salas pitched 1 1/3 and Edward Mujica recorded an out on the only batter he faced.

CLICK HERE to watch the St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the NLCS via live stream.  Coverage will begin at 7 p.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 22. 

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