Five World Series titles winners Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 Tuesday. The Reds were the first team to secure playoff berth in 2012.
The Associated Press quoted Mike Matheny, the Cardinals' manager as saying: "I'm sending them home; they need to get some rest. We've got a game to win tomorrow and we have a trip to make one way or another, so we're sending them out."
The Reds, the NL Central champions, are tied with the Washington Nationals for the league's best record. They need a win Wednesday and would be hoping for a loss for the Nationals to earn home-field advantage for the entire of the postseason.
Dusty Baker, manager of the Cincinnati Reds, said: "We don't know if it's going to be advantageous to get first, second or third, or the wild card. Right now, this is all new. All of us, same in the American League as in our league, we all have to start on the road."
Carpenter, the Cardinals's starting pitcher was injured for most of this season and has a wealth of experience under his belt when it comes to playing big games.
"I've said all along this is like my third spring training start in a key situation," he said. "I'm concerned about the stuff and the sharpness and tonight it was better than the last time. So, hopefully I get another shot."
Adam Wainwright, the right handed starting pitcher added: "It's every pitcher's dream to pitch in the big moment. Hopefully the Dodgers will lose and we'll be able to go on our merry way. If not, I'm looking forward to the challenge."
If there's a tie between the Cardinals and the Dodgers, a one-game playoff will be held in Los Angeles with the winner advancing to the wild card game in Atlanta on Friday.
Mat Latos (14-4), starting pitcher for Cincinnti Reds said: "Pitching against a team like them, they're aggressive, they know what they're doing. A great hitting ballclub. To give up one run in five innings is doing pretty well."
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