Cardinals 1st MLB team to clinch playoff spot this season
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.