Cards' big bats fail in the clutch

BOSTON-- The National League's best offense is off to a feeble start in the World Series, and the St. Louis Cardinals' chances along with it.

A lineup that featured three MVP candidates in Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds was hitless in six at-bats with runners in scoring position Sunday night, failing to capitalize on the second straight four-error game by the Boston Red Sox defense.

This after stranding nine runners, four each by Pujols and Rolen, in an 11-9 loss in Saturday night's opener.

The result: The Cardinals are in a 2-0 hole as the best-of-seven series heads to St. Louis.

They're 6-0 at home in the postseason, and they have to hope that the familiar surroundings will rejuvenate their offense.

The Cardinals were unable to mount any sustained rallies in the first two games.

Larry Walker was 4-for-5 Saturday night with a home, single and double, but there wasn't enough support.

Pujols was 3-for-4 with two doubles and scored a run in Game 2, but Rolen and Edmonds were 0-for-7 and the top six St. Louis hitters were a combined 3-for-21. In two games, Pujols, Rolen and Jim Edmonds were 4-for-23.

The Cardinals have missed their regular leadoff hitter, Tony Womack, dropped to seventh in the order because of concerns about a balky lower back.

Edgar Renteria had two hits in Game 1 but was 0-for-3 Sunday and is more comfortable as the No. 6 hitter.

The Cardinals also couldn't take advantage of having a designated hitter in Boston's Fenway Park, since their top power threat off the bench is John Mabry, who hit only 13 homers.