(MCT) — ST. LOUIS — After Game 3 of the National League championship series, Giants center fielder Angel Pagan stood in front of his stall in the visitor’s locker room and Busch Stadium and noted, not inaccurately, that it was a long series.

But at this time of year, a series can get short awfully quick. Which is what has happened to the Giants, who after Thursday night’s 8-3 loss in Game 4, find themselves not far away from the end of the road. The Giants had some room to maneuver when they were down two games to one, but at three games to one, the walls have gotten a bit closer. The Giants will be flying home after Game 5, regardless of what happens Friday night, but whether they have anything to do once they get there is another matter.