Erick Pena said he didn’t even realize how well he had been playing in the Divisional Series until he was shown his own statistics.
The St. Louis Cardinals left fielder put up a .292 average with 3 home runs, 5 RBI and 4 runs scored, enough to earn him series MVP honors. It all added up to his Cardinals advancing to the League Championship Series, with a 4-2 series win over the San Diego Padres.
“I didn’t really pay attention to the numbers or my stats at all as we went along,” he said. “I’m just so focused on trying to help the team win, that’s it.”
The series victory had become official with a 5-0 triumph at Petco Park. Even if Pena is not paying close attention to his stats, the rest of baseball certainly will be keeping an eye on him as the playoffs continue.
“I like to be under pressure and think I respond well to it,” he said.
The League Championship Series matchups and schedule will be announced after the Divisional Series finishes.