It's just fun coming to the park now. The fans are pretty pumped up, too.

Our fans are fired up, and it's great to have an opportunity to have another round with the Cardinals. We have another chance, we have a shot at it. There's only so many that you get. Coming from where we've come from, and to have a chance at this again, it's pretty special.

Was it worth the wait, or what? ... It's pretty sweet right now.

Their fans are the best. If you make a nice play on the opposing side, they give you a golf clap, and they're respectful. But they love their Cardinals. They do everything they can for their team.

We had some pretty good at-bats off [Carpenter]. We just couldn't find any holes. That's the way it goes sometimes. We were able to get some guys on but weren't able to get them in early. We did some little things right, we got some guys on, we got some walks. We take it one batter at a time and everybody tries to stay within their own limitations. We did that, we just didn't get the big hit to get them in.

You know, it was going to happen sooner or later. We understand that. Whether it's another year, another two years, whatever, we know it's going to happen. We know nobody can play forever. But for now, the thing I'm happy about the most is that he's down here and he's getting the opportunity to play. And he's such a professional, if he can't play, he'll let you know it.