NLCS: Matt Carpenter Hits Two-Run Homer As Cards Overcome Carlos Beltran Injury, Long Rain Delay, And Giants For 2-1 Series Lead

At St. Louis:

Matt Carpenter, subbing for the injured Carlos Beltran, hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-1 in the second game of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night to take a two-games-to-one advantage.  The game was delayed by rain for three and-a-half hours during the seventh inning.

NOTE:  Rain caused the postponement of Wednesday's scheduled fourth game of the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and hosts Detroit Tigers, who lead the series three games to none.  The game has been rescheduled from Thursday, when the Tigers will go for the four-game series sweep and a trip to the World Series.