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NLCS notebook: Cards remind Rueter of team he grew up loving

ST. LOUIS -- He grew up across the Mississippi River rooting for the local team.

In Game 1 of the National League Championship Series tonight at Busch Stadium, Giants pitcher Kirk Rueter will pitch against a Cardinals lineup that no longer includes favorites Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee but presents a similar challenge.

"Being the hometown team I always pay pretty close attention to them," the Nashville, Ill., native said. "They have got just a great mixture. ... They can beat you in a lot of ways and they have shown it."

The left-hander, who allowed six earned runs in three innings in Game 2 of the division series, is 9-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 21 career games against the Cardinals and is 5-0 at Busch Stadium.

In his only start this season against St. Louis, July 24 at Pac Bell Park, Rueter pitched 71/3 scoreless innings for the win.

"It's just one of those baseball things," he said when asked about his success against St. Louis. "I just come and I feel comfortable here. I enjoy being around the people that I've known my whole life. But as far as trying to pinpoint why I've had success, I don't know."

THE BONDS INFLUENCE: The Cardinals might take a different approach to Barry Bonds than the Braves did in the division series. The Giants leftfielder hit .294 with three homers and four RBIs against an Atlanta staff that gave him pitches to hit rather than walking him.

"Our goal is not to put on an exhibition of how many times you can throw the ball down the middle and see how many home runs he can hit or how many times we can walk him and not compete," manager Tony LaRussa said.

A career .154 hitter against Game 1 starter Matt Morris, Bonds has hit .268 with 33 homers and 104 RBIs all-time against the Cardinals.

THE CHOSEN ONE: The Cardinals will start Woody Williams in Game 2. It will be his first since he pulled a muscle in his side after 42/3 innings against the Astros on Sept. 20. ODDS AND ENDS: St. Louis is waiting to decide whether third baseman Scott Rolen (sprained shoulder) will be able to play this series. They have until today to set the roster. ... As big a fan as Rueter was of the Cardinals as a child, St. Louis second baseman Fernando Vina followed the Giants with equal fervor while growing up in Sacramento, Calif.

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