While this was the expected outcome for the last month or so, the pesky Pirates never backed off from the Cardinals. It wasn’t official until last night’s 11-1 win, but the Cardinals have clinched the Central Division. With their 100 victories, they are well ahead of the other division leaders in New York and Los Angeles and will play their first playoff game on Friday, October 9th.
The Cardinals will play with winner of the one game wild card between Chicago and Pittsburgh. That game will be played on Wednesday, October 7th and will most likely be played in Pittsburgh. The Pirates own a 2.5 game lead over the Cubs.
Here is the NLDS schedule:
Game 1-Friday October 9th-Busch Stadium-TBD
Game 2-Saturday October 10th-Busch Stadium-TBD
Game 3-Monday October 12th-TBD
Game 4-Tuesday October 13th-TBD*
Game 5-Thursday October 15th-Busch Stadium-TBD*
*if necessary