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CHICAGO (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have become the first team to clinch a postseason berth this year despite losing 5-4 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.
The Cardinals fell at Wrigley Field, but manager Mike Matheny's team later sealed a playoff spot when San Francisco lost to Arizona 6-0. The Giants' defeat ensured St. Louis at least an NL wild-card slot.
St. Louis has the best record in the majors at 92-56 and will play in the postseason for the fifth straight year. The Cardinals have made it at least to the NL Championship Series the last four seasons.
The Cardinals lead the NL Central by 4 1/2 games over Pittsburgh, which played later at Dodger Stadium. St. Louis is 6-10 over its past 16 games, including series losses to the Pirates, Cubs, Reds and again to the Cubs this weekend.
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