The Cardinals celebrate their trip to the 2011 World Series after defeating the Brewers in the NLCS.

words // Luis Sanchez

Set to kick-off tonight is the much anticipated 2011 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Playing arguably their best baseball of the season, the Cardinals were able to reach the world series after defeating both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies earlier in the playoffs. The Rangers road to the World Series was also just as tough, having to take care of the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers.

Taking the mound for the all-important game 1 in St Louis will be CJ Wilson for the visiting Rangers and ace Chris Carpenter for the Cardinals. Building off his current success in the playoffs, Chris Carpenter will take the mound looking to get his franchise-record eight playoff victory. On the other hand, CJ Wilson is looking for his first postseason victory of the year, after starting game 1 in the past two series for the Texas Rangers.

Although two aces will be taking the mound for game 1 of the 2011 World Series, everyone is still expecting it to be an offense-filled start to the World Series with two extremely deep and powerful line-ups facing off. Either way, we are in for an interesting World Series with two evenly-matched line-ups facing off.

Continue below for a look at both teams battling in this year’s fall classic as part of Eastbay’s latest MLB Watch.

Albert Pujols seen at a pre-World Series workout in the latest Nike men’s batting gloves.

David Freese listens to some insight from Cardinals’ hitting coach Mark McGwire.

Yadier Molina warms-up with one of the latest baseball gloves by Rawlings.

A look at several Rangers’ players with Adrian Beltre and Michael Young taking the field in the Nike Air Max 2011.

Texas Rangers‘ manager Ron Washington throws batting practice at a pre-World Series workout.

Another look at several Rangers’ players with the latest baseball gloves by Rawlings.

Another look at Adrian Beltre in the Nike Air Max 2011.

The St. Louis Cardinals celebrate their NLCS victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jason Motte took the mound in game 6 of the NLCS in the latest Under Armour baseball cleats.