Despite the Cardinals loss to Washington on Wednesday, the magic number to clinch the N.L. Central dropped by one after the Pirates lost to Milwaukee 9-4. The number could drop again after Thursday. While the Cardinals have the day off to wait for the Pirates’ arrival on Friday, the Bucs finish their series in Milwaukee this evening.
Cardinals magic number to clinch the Central Division — 25
Cardinals 86-47
Pittsburgh 79-52
The Twins may have given up hope on catching the Royals for the Central Division, but they are in the middle of American League Wild Card chase. Minnesota is one game behind Texas for the second wild card spot and won for the third game in a row. With the Royals blowout win over the Tigers, it drops the club’s magic number to win their division into the teens.
Royals magic number to clinch the Central Division — 19
Royals 81-51
Minnesota 69-63
The magic number is determined by taking 163 and subtracting the number of wins for the Cardinals (or Royals) and subtracting the number of losses for the Pirates (and Twins) respectively.
