The National League playoff race is tight. The NL Central has three teams separated by two games. The division leaders in the National League are separated by three games. The regular season ends in nine days, and the playoff races will all be close. To keep track of that, we’ll have a nightly recap with the scores, standings, and any tiebreaking information for relevant scenarios. Here are the results from tonight, and how they impacted each race that is important for the Pirates.
NL Central
Cardinals 7, Brewers 2
Pirates 4, Reds 2
The Pirates moved ahead of the Reds for second place in the NL Central. However, the Cardinals also won to retain their two game lead.
Wild Card
Pirates 4, Reds 2
Nationals/Marlins Postponed
The Pirates took a one game lead in the Wild Card race, and their elimination number is now three. They could clinch the playoffs tomorrow if they win and Washington loses a double-header. The Nationals had their game postponed tonight, leading to a day/night doubleheader tomorrow.
I doubt the Pirates clinch tomorrow, but early next week should provide an interesting scenario. The Nationals play the Cardinals, which will impact the Pirates no matter the outcome. Every win by the Cardinals helps the Pirates to clinch. Every win by the Nationals helps the Pirates move closer in the NL Central. Since it’s pretty much a guarantee that the Pirates will make the playoffs, they should be rooting for the Nationals in that series.
Playoff Seeding
Cubs 3, Braves 1
Cardinals 7, Brewers 2
Dodgers 4, Padres 0
The Braves have a half game lead in the top seed, despite their loss and the win by the Cardinals. The Dodgers also won, and moved 2.5 games back. So the standings didn’t change, but the top teams got closer together.
1. Atlanta
2. St. Louis
3. Los Angeles
4. Pittsburgh
5. Cincinnati
