The Cardinals opened up a weekend series with the Pirates and behind seven shutout innings from J.A. Happ, Pittsburgh won the first game 9-3. Carlos Martinez gave up four runs in five innings. The magic number stays put.
Cardinals magic number to clinch the Central Division — 24
Cardinals 86-48
Pittsburgh 80-53
Kris Medlen suffered his first loss as a starter as the Chicago White Sox provided early run support for John Danks who pitched a complete game in a 12-1 Royals’ loss. Minnesota got pounded by Houston 8-0, reducing the number by one.
Royals magic number to clinch the Central Division — 16
Royals 82-51
Minnesota 69-64
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.
