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Good morning, everyone! Happy Monday.
The Cardinals have won 16 games in a row and their magic number of officially clinch the second National League Wild Card spot is down to one.
The @Cardinals are the first NL team to win 16 straight since the New York Giants in 1951. pic.twitter.com/GcOdf2irSO
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) September 26, 2021
SIXTEEN IN A ROW FOR THE CARDINALS
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 26, 2021
They won their final 11 road games this year, all during this streak
The 2nd team in MLB history to win its final 11 or more road games in a season, joining:
the 1887 Philadelphia Quakers
(h/t @EliasSports)
St. Louis is now 87-69 on the year and 20-6 in the month of September. The Cardinals’ all but have their ticket punched to play in the Wild Card game; as of now, that will be against the Dodgers. The Dodgers are still trying to chase down the Giants for the NL West crown. Entering play Monday, the Giants are 102-54, two games up on the 100-56 Dodgers. On the other coast, the NL East title is still waiting to be claimed. The Braves are atop the division by 2 1⁄2 games over the Phillies; these two clubs have a three-game date this week that could shape things out — one way or another.
Over in the American League Wild Card race, tension is much higher. The Yankees, after sweeping the Red Sox over the weekend, hold the top Wild Card spot — by one game over (who else?) the Red Sox. The Blue Jays are knocking (or.. pecking?) on the door, though, just a game behind Boston. The Mariners are two games back, and the Athletics are three games back. The Yankees and Blue Jays are matching up this week, as are the Mariners and Athletics.
The Cardinals are off today and will be back in action tomorrow night at Busch Stadium, with a chance to extend their historic winning streak and officially clinch a playoff berth.
Have a great day!