The offense came to life on Sunday in Cincinnati as the Cardinals won 9-2, avoiding the four game sweep. The Pirates kept pace 2.5 games back with a 7-6 win over the Brewers in 11 innings. The Cardinals have an off-day before starting a three-game series in Milwaukee on Tuesday night. The Pirates are off, then host the Cubs for four games in three days.
Cardinals magic number to clinch the Central Division — 18
Cardinals 89-54
Pittsburgh 87-56
The magic number remains unchanged as the Royals continue to stumble midway through the month. Baltimore handed Johnny Cueto his fifth straight loss in an 8-2 final and the Twins topped Chicago 7-0. The Royals hold just a 2.5 game lead over Toronto for the best record in the American League. The Royals start a series in Cleveland tonight.
Royals magic number to clinch the Central Division — 11
Royals 84-58
Minnesota 74-68
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.
