Press Box: Cardinals control their destiny for N.L. Central title

Charlie Blackmon (19) douses Rockies teammate Trevor Story for hitting a walk-off solo home run off Brewers relief pitcher Matt Albers in the 10th inning of Saturday night's game in Denver.
Charlie Blackmon (19) douses Rockies teammate Trevor Story for hitting a walk-off solo home run off Brewers relief pitcher Matt Albers in the 10th inning of Saturday night's game in Denver.

photo

AP

Chicago Blackhawks' Marcus Kruger (16), left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey playoffs Western Conference semifinal against the Detroit Red Wings in Chicago, Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Here we are, Game No. 162, with the N.L. Central division crown on the line.

It's a moment Cardinal fans could only dream of a little more than two months ago during the All-Star break. But a week ago, those same fans would have thrown a tantrum if the Central title came down to today's results, when the team's magic number was four with six games to play.

Ironic, isn't it?

This is the same team that began the second half of the season with a 44-44 record. Following a four-game sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Cardinals were 22 games above the .500 mark entering the final week of the regular season.

But memories can be short, even during a 162-game season.

That Cardinals team that won four straight one-run games against Chicago suddenly can't seem to find a way to win. And that Brewers team, that lost its best player to a knee injury earlier this month, suddenly became inspired and couldn't lose.

With one week to go, after shattering the Cubs' postseason chances, the Cardinals could control their own destiny. If they won four of their last six games, they won the division, and would get to face the Atlanta Braves instead of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to begin the playoffs.

St. Louis won Monday, but things have spiraled into desperation following a 3-2 loss in 19 innings the next night against the Diamondbacks.

Now the division was there for the taking for the Brewers, who opened the month of September by winning 20 of their first 24 games. But they don't seem to want the N.L. Central title either, losing their first two games in Denver.

The Brewers were one out from tying the Cardinals in the standings on Saturday night, but a solo home run by Sam Hilliard tied the game in the ninth and Trevor Story's walk-off homer gave the Rockies a 3-2 win.

It also gave the Cardinals another chance many believe they don't deserve. Regardless of today's results, at worst they will finish in the tie for the division lead.

Here's a quick breakdown of how today's results could play out:

If the Cardinals beat the Cubs, it doesn't matter what the Brewers do. A win gives St. Louis the N.L. Central title outright.

If the Cardinals lose to the Cubs, it comes down to the Brewers-Rockies game. A win from Colorado gives the division to St. Louis, but a Milwaukee win forces Game No. 163.

And if there is a Game No. 163 between the Cardinals and the Brewers, it will take place Monday in St. Louis.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We still have today's games to be played.

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt announced Jack Flaherty will start on the mound today against the Cubs. That's who you want pitching if you're a Cardinals fan, but if there is a play-off game Monday, St. Louis has limited options on starting pitching, and will most likely have to throw Miles Mikolas.

Before I finally wrap this up, let me ease the minds of Cardinals fans in what has been a hectic week.

The Cardinals entered the 2006 playoffs having lost nine of their last 12 games. As ugly as that was, they then managed to win 11 of their next 16 and win the World Series.

It could happen again, right?