Giants vs. Cardinals, 2012 NLCS Game 3: St. Louis outlasts rain, Cain as fans look forward to Game 4

The St. Louis Cardinals waited out a lengthy rain delay to defeat the San Francisco Giants 3-1 in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night.

In the process, the Cardinals were able to beat Giants ace Matt Cain, who threw 6⅔ innings and allowed St. Louis's three runs on six hits. St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse, after tossing 5⅔ innings, got the win as he gave up only one earned run while surrendering seven hits and five walks.

Matt Carpenter's two-run homer in the third inning gave St. Louis the 2-1 lead at the time. That proved to be the difference in the game.

After getting by Cain, Tom S. of SB Nation's Viva El Birdos writes that the Cardinals have possibly cleared their most challenging pitching hurdle:

"After winning a wet, low-scoring game in St. Louis last night, the Cardinals lead the series two games to one. The Lohse-Cain matchup widely figured to be the toughest in the whole series. The question at the outset of the series was whether Barry Zito or recent bullpen-condemnee Tim Lincecum would be picking up the start at the back end of the rotation. In a surprise move, the Giants have picked both of them."

Game 4 is Thursday night in St. Louis, as the Cardinals will send Adam Wainwright to the hill, trying to take a commanding 3-1 series lead against Giants' starter Tim Lincecum. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. CT and will air on Fox.