– Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MILWAUKEE – Edwin Jackson was close to picking up a victory in Game 2 but exited in the fifth inning of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 12-3 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The right-hander was touched for a two-run home run by Rickie Weeks in the fourth inning and left the game in the fifth after allowing a double by Ryan Braun.

Now Jackson will have a chance to help the Cardinals clinch the National League championship series today in Game 6 at Miller Park.

“While you’re out there you’re trying to go as hard as you can, whether it will be five, six, seven, eight innings or a complete game,” Jackson said Saturday.

“Definitely it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be able to close it out with a complete game, but it might not work out that way. Just go out and leave it on the field for as long as you can.”

Jackson was obtained in a trade in late July and has been an effective part of the Cardinals’ starting rotation.

“One of the first days (after the trade), I remember (pitching coach) Dave Duncan had a meeting with him and said this guy is really intelligent,” Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa said.

“I just said that he understands what pitching is all about. Some guys, they just never get it; they’re just out throwing.

“So we’ve learned he’s got a good idea, very competitive and has got a good personality.”

HOLLIDAY HEALING: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday is healing steadily after suffering a tendon injury in his right middle finger.

He went 3 for 5 in Friday’s game with a double and two RBI. The double came in the eighth inning off Brewers reliever Marco Estrada .

“You don’t always get results,” Holliday said. “But I felt pretty good.”

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