2011 World Series Game 1: St. Louis Cardinals' Lineup Announced Vs. Rangers

The St. Louis Cardinals have tapped Nick Punto to start Game 1 of the 2011 World Series at second base, according to Twitter, making the decision to optimize their defense rather than starting Ryan Theriot against the left-handed C.J. Wilson. He's the only surprise in a lineup that's been more or less locked in since the postseason began; the batting order goes, once again, Rafael Furcal (6); Jon Jay (8); Albert Pujols (3); Matt Holliday (7); Lance Berkman (9); David Freese (5); Yadier Molina (2); Punto (4); and Chris Carpenter, batting ninth and pitching. The Texas Rangers lineup involves a little more Nelson Cruz than usual, unsurprisingly.

Ian Kinsler (4) leads off, followed by Elvis Andrus (6); Josh Hamilton (8); Michael Young (3); Adrian Beltre (5); Nelson Cruz (9); Mike Napoli (2); David Murphy (7); and C.J. Wilson, 1-8 with a triple in his career, will bat ninth and get the start for the Rangers.

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