FIRST LOOK

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS VS. HOUSTON ASTROS

THE NUMBERS

* Regular-season records: Cardinals, 105-57; Astros, 92-70.

* Head-to-head: Astros, 10-8.

* Team batting: Cardinals, .278, first in NL; Astros, .267, eighth in NL.

* Runs scored: Cardinals, 855, first in NL; Astros, 803, tied for fifth in NL.

* Team ERA: Cardinals, 3.75, second in NL; Astros, 4.05, sixth in NL.

THE MATCHUPS

* Batting: Although comparing them to the 1927 Yankees, as some do, is laughable, St. Louis has the most dangerous offense in the league. Scott Rolen has been hampered by injuries, and was hitless in 12 at-bats against the Dodgers in the division series. The Cardinal heart of the order is balanced on the right (Albert Pujols, Reggie Sanders, Rolen) and left side (Jim Edmonds, Larry Walker). The Astros have the Killer Bs of Jeff Bagwell, Carlos Beltran, Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman. Edge: Cardinals.

* Pitching: The Cardinals didn’t finish second in the NL in ERA by accident. They don’t have any marquee names (unless you count Jason Marquis), but their rotation keeps them in every game and Jason Isringhausen is a solid closer. Roger Clemens and Roy Oswalt are Cy Young candidates for the Astros, but their bullpen is suspect. On the other hand, the Cardinals will have to beat Clemens and Oswalt. Edge: Astros.

* Intangibles: All season, St. Louis has hit behind the runner, been aggressive on the bases, basically done all the little things you need to do to win 105 games. The Astros stumbled through the season, before closing with a strong run to reach the playoffs. Edge: Cardinals.

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NLCS Schedule

Best-of-seven series:

* Game 1...Wednesday, Houston at St. Louis, 5 p.m., Ch. 11

* Game 2...Thursday, Houston at St. Louis, 5 p.m., Ch. 11

* Game 3...Saturday, St. Louis at Houston, 1 p.m., Ch. 11

* Game 4...Sunday, St. Louis at Houston, 1:30 p.m., Ch. 11

* Game 5...Monday, St. Louis at Houston, 5 p.m., Ch. 11 *

* Game 6...Oct. 20, Houston at St. Louis, 1 p.m., Ch. 11 *

* Game 7...Oct. 21, Houston at St. Louis, 5 p.m., Ch. 11 *

* If necessary; all times Pacific

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-- Houston Mitchell