Lackey's final regular-season start will be his biggest as a Cardinal
The St. Louis Cardinals know they're heading to the playoffs for a fourth straight season, but in what capacity still remains in doubt. After having their NL Central lead trimmed by a game, the Cardinals look to bounce back against surging Chicago Cubs starter Jake Arrieta on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field. St. Louis (88-70) holds a 1 1/2-game advantage in the division over Pittsburgh, which beat Atlanta to clinch a playoff berth Tuesday before the Cardinals fell 4-3 in 10 innings to the Cubs.
The Pirates have five games remaining while St. Louis finishes its season with three at Arizona after this finale. The Cardinals' magic number is four to win their second straight Central title and avoid the do-or-die wild-card game. "Obviously, Pittsburgh is playing well right now, " said Shelby Miller, who didn't make it out of the fifth inning Tuesday. "No doubt, that team is not going to give up. But then again, neither are we. We know what we're capable of and will take it day by day and try to win each game. "
St. Louis likely will be in for a tough test against Arrieta (9-5, 2. 65 ERA), who is 1-0 with a 1. 21 ERA in four career starts against the Cardinals, including three this season. Arrieta had a no-hitter with one out in the eighth inning before it was broken up by Brandon Phillips' double in last Tuesday's 7-0 win over Cincinnati. It was the only hit he allowed while striking out a career-best 13 in the first complete game of his five-year career.
The Pirates have five games remaining while St. Louis finishes its season with three at Arizona after this finale. The Cardinals' magic number is four to win their second straight Central title and avoid the do-or-die wild-card game. "Obviously, Pittsburgh is playing well right now, " said Shelby Miller, who didn't make it out of the fifth inning Tuesday. "No doubt, that team is not going to give up. But then again, neither are we. We know what we're capable of and will take it day by day and try to win each game. "
St. Louis likely will be in for a tough test against Arrieta (9-5, 2. 65 ERA), who is 1-0 with a 1. 21 ERA in four career starts against the Cardinals, including three this season. Arrieta had a no-hitter with one out in the eighth inning before it was broken up by Brandon Phillips' double in last Tuesday's 7-0 win over Cincinnati. It was the only hit he allowed while striking out a career-best 13 in the first complete game of his five-year career.
AnthonyBryantok - 28. Sep, 04:33
