The Cardinals never thought they would celebrate after a loss, but that time came following a 5-3 loss to the Brewers Sunday. St. Louis learned earlier that the Astros lost which meant the Cards clinched the National League Central title for the third straight year.
The Birds division crown came on the heels of a near collapse that saw a seven-game lead dwindle to just ½ a game in a week.
Despite going 3-7 in their last 10 and losing nine of their last 12, the Cardinals are in the playoffs. Game 1 is Tuesday in San Diego.
The Cardinals are happy to be in the playoffs even if it does come after a loss. Milwaukee came out of the gate early taking a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The Brew Crew added another run in the fourth to make it 5-0.
Prince Fielder, Geoff Jenkins, and Mike Rivera all homered for the Brewers.
St. Louis got three solo homers in the ninth for its only runs of the game. Chris Duncan and Albert Pujols went back-to-back, while Scott Spiezio added another blast later in the inning.