After defeating the San Francisco Giants 3-1 in a rain delayed game on Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals are now just two wins away from a World Series berth.  The defending 2011 World Series champions will look to enter the Fall Classic for the fourth time in nine years.  Tonight's Game 4 matchup will feature two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum of the Giants going up against Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals. 

Lincecum, who initially lost his spot in the post season rotation, will make his first start of the playoffs.  However, the right-hander was effective out of the pen.  In his three appearances, he pitched 8 1/3 innings and struck out nine batters.  Game 4 of the NLDS was his most efficient trip to the hill, as he gave up two hits and one run in 4 1/3 innings.

Although he's remained a starter, Wainwright hasn't fared well in this year's playoffs.  The 31-year-old sports a hefty 7.88 ERA in two outings and both of his starts were no decisions.  During the regular season, Wainwright had two outings against Giants.  In is first start, he allowed only one run in seven innings.  However, the second time around was a different story, as he let up five runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Although St. Louis did pull out a victory in Game 3, they do need to reignite their offense, which was last put on display against the Washington Nationals.  With the possibility looming that outfielder Carlos Beltran (strained knee) will be out of action, the rest of the lineup will need to pick up the slack in order to make up for his absence.  Compiling a .414 post season batting average, Beltran has been their top hitter thus far. 

Star first baseman Allen Craig, who effectively stepped in for the departed Albert Pujols (Los Angeles Angels) during the season, hasn't recorded a hit in his last 13 plate appearances.  Nonetheless, St. Louis skipper Mike Matheny shouldn't be tinkering with his starting lineup too much being that his team still has a one-game lead in the series.

CLICK HERE to watch the St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants in Game 4 of the NLCS via live stream.  The game begins at 8.07 p.m. ET

Tags: mlb television