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Happy Friday, everyone!
With their win yesterday, the Cardinals split the four-game series with the Dodgers this week. Albert Pujols appeared in three of the four games, two of them starts. Pujols homered on Tuesday night and received standing ovations throughout the week from a crowd scattered with #5 jerseys. Was that the last time we will see Albert in St. Louis? This offseason will help answer that.
And now, at 71-68, the Cardinals will welcome the 74-67 Reds to town this weekend for a three-game series that could be a huge statement series in the National League Wild Card race. At the start of play on this Friday, the Dodgers and Padres hold the two Wild Card spots, with the Reds lurking just one game back. On the heels of the Reds would be the Cardinals, who sit three games back of a spot — two games behind the Reds. Losers of three straight, the Phillies are 3 1⁄2 back.
Over in the American League, the Red Sox and Yankees hold the two Wild Card spots. The Blue Jays, who have won eight in a row (including a sweep of the Yanks), are a mere half-game back, with the Mariners and Athletics both just two games behind.
In the series opener at Busch Stadium this evening, it’ll be a matchup of Jon Lester and Tyler Mahle. First pitch is set for 7:15 PM Central.
Have a great day!