NLCS Game 5, Cardinals vs. Giants game recap: St. Louis falls 5-0

The St. Louis Cardinals were unable to close out the San Francisco Giants as they couldn't overcome a dominant performance by Giants pitcher Barry Zito. The Cardinals still lead the series 3-2, and will have another chance to close the series on Sunday.

Zito threw 115 pitches, including 73 strikes, shutting out the Cardinals over 7 2/3 innings. Zito threw 6 strikeouts while allowing only 6 hits. Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn started strong, but unraveled in the fourth inning, allowing 4 runs before being pulled. The Giants added a fifth run when Pablo Sandoval hit a solo home run in the eighth off Cardinals reliever Mitchell Boggs.

The Cardinals provided a glimmer of hope in the bottom of the ninth, as Yadier Molina reached base on a single with one out. But Giants reliever Sergio Romo struck out David Freese and Daniel Descalso flied out to left to end the game.

The Cardinals are one win away from returning to the World Series. Game 6 will be held Sunday in San Francisco. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.