Phoenix, AZ (My Sportsbook) - Andy Benes will start Game 3 of the NLDS for the Cardinals against the defending World Series champion Arizona Diamondbacks in St. Louis, according to a published report. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Tuesday that Benes will replace scheduled starter Woody Williams, who had to stop a throwing session Monday after only 12 pitches because of a stiff lower back. According to the report, St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, pitching coach Dave Duncan and general manager Walt Jocketty met with Williams and decided that he would be shut down for the best-of-five series against Arizona. Benes was 5-4 with a 2.78 ERA in 18 games this season for the Cardinals, while Williams started 17 contests and finished 9-4 with a 2.53 ERA for St. Louis. Arizona's Miguel Batista will oppose Benes in Game 3. Batista, who was 8-9 with a 4.29 ERA this season, was selected on Monday by Diamondbacks' manager Bob Brenly as the starter. St. Louis and Arizona will play Game 1 of the series tonight at Bank One Ballpark. |
