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 Eighth-inning home runs by Tommy Pham and Stephen Piscotty turned a
1-0 lead into a comfortable 4-0 win in the best-of-five series.
"Chicago has got great young guys, and we also got great young
guys," the Cardinals' seven-times All-Star catcher Yadier Molina
said, referring to the Cubs' Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle
Schwarber.
Pham crushed a pinch-hit home run off Cubs starter Jon Lester and
Piscotty lined a two-run shot off reliever Pedro Strop to back a
sterling effort by Cards starter John Lackey.
"In the minor leagues we're kind of groomed to come up here and
contribute," said 27-year-old Pham, a late bloomer. "The
expectations are high for us.
"For me it's something I dreamed about as a little kid. Now it's
happening. It's truly a blessing, kind of surreal."
Lackey, 36, said he enjoyed watching the new players.
"Those guys can hit," said Lackey. "It's kind of been our whole
season. We've had to have contributions from young guys cause we've
had some of our veteran guys hurt."
"For them to get involved in this first game like that, it was fun
to see. As you get older as a player, it's fun to see younger guys
experience some things for the first time."
Piscotty, a 24-year-old outfielder, showed his versatility by
playing first base in his first Major League Baseball postseason
game.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny heaped praise on his rookies.
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"Stephen has been as consistent as any young player you could ever
bring into a situation, and was thrown into a position where he
hasn't had much repetition," Matheny said about Piscotty, who hit
.305 with seven homers and 39 RBIs in 233 at-bats.
"He's got a great baseball IQ, makes incredible adjustments for a
young player."
Pham delivered five home runs in 153 at-bats with the Cards.
"Pham we brought in because we needed a spark. I think tonight kind
of shows he has that potential," the manager said.
St. Louis, with a National League-best 11 World Series titles, have
a tradition of success.
Piscotty said Cardinals veterans told the younger players "it was
going to feel different" to play postseason ball.
"They just stressed relax, breathe and try to handle the nerves
better than the other team," he said. "And I think everyone on our
club did that tonight."
(Editing by Larry Fine/Andrew Both)
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