BREWERS MAGIC NUMBER NOW AT 2
Victor Caratini hit a three-run homer and Blake Perkins added a solo shot, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday in the final game of a four-game series.
The Brewers’ magic number to clinch their second National League Central title in three years fell to two with nine games to play.
“We’re in a good spot right now,” Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. “We’re playing well. We’re not there yet. Let’s take care of business. Right now, it’s finish the job.”
Milwaukee (87-66) could wrap up the division title as soon as today in Miami with another victory along with a Chicago Cubs loss. The number to just clinch a postseason berth is two over the Marlins.
The Brewers have won eight of their last 11 and 22 of their last 31 games.
“We’re playing solid, allaround baseball in all three areas,” Counsell said.
St. Louis (67-86) fell 20 games behind first-place Milwaukee in enduring its first losing season since 2007. The Cardinals, now shut out 12 times this season, have lost seven of their last 11 games.
“It is what it is,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said. “We’ve had some injuries. It’s been that type of year.”
Wade Miley (9-4) breezed through six innings on 92 pitches. He gave up three hits and only one runner reached second base. He struck out seven and walked two while stranding five runners.
“We’re playing a fun brand of baseball and we’re close to being where we want to be at,” Miley said. “The intensity has picked up. It’s a very talented team. I just go out and pitch. Nothing is done until it’s done.”
Off the field, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) remains day-to-day. He has missed 11 of the last 12 games with his lone game played in that span being last Friday.
Notable
Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got good news when an MRI on his right knee showed inflammation and no structural damage. But he was held of the starting lineup for the second straight night.
Also, 1B Brandon Belt (back spasms) took swings in the batting cage for the third straight day but will not be activated when first eligible today.