As noted earlier here and here, the past week and a half has been fun for the Stros as an improbable series of events has catapulted the club back into playoff contention. The Stros won again in Pittsburgh last night, using nine pitchers for the second time in three games and overcoming a 6-1 deficit. The Stros (80-78) have now won eight straight games.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals (81-76) finally broke their seven game losing streak, which is what really got the Stros back in the race for a playoff spot. Accordingly, the Cards’ magic number to win the NL Central title is now four — that is, any combination of further Cardinal wins (they have five games left) and Stros losses (they have four games left) equaling four means that the Cardinals win the title.
Roy O and the Stros go for the sweep this afternoon against the Pirates while the Cardinals open up a four game series at home tonight against the Brewers.