Luvofthegame
09-21-2006, 11:30 PM
Team's magic number continues to dwindle down final stretch
By JR Radcliffe
Special to MLB.com
9/20/06
From the plush couches in the visiting clubhouse at Miller Park on Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals made progress in their quest for a third straight division title.
The Houston Astros defeated the Cincinnati Reds during afternoon baseball, 7-2, with nearly all clubhouse televisions before the Cards' rubber match against the Milwaukee Brewers tuned to the proceedings. The outcome lowered the Cardinals' magic number to five, with an opportunity to go even lower with a series-clinching victory. Any combination of five wins or losses by the nearest rival in the National League Central standings will result in a divisional crown.
"That's one of the neat experiences of being in a pennant race and trying to get to the finish line," said manager Tony La Russa, adding that the constant emphasis on the number value was not a hindrance. "You're aware of it, and it keeps you focused on the game you're playing because you can knock a number off."
The Reds fell 7 1/2 games behind the Cards, with just 10 games remaining on their docket and 12 for St. Louis. Barring a remarkable collapse, the Cardinals will claim division titles in three straight years for the second time in team history, the first occurring from 1942-44. Still, La Russa was guarded about that reality.
"[You don't celebrate] until your magic number is zero," La Russa said. "If you're guaranteed a tie and you have the best record, that's not zero."
By JR Radcliffe
Special to MLB.com
9/20/06
From the plush couches in the visiting clubhouse at Miller Park on Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals made progress in their quest for a third straight division title.
The Houston Astros defeated the Cincinnati Reds during afternoon baseball, 7-2, with nearly all clubhouse televisions before the Cards' rubber match against the Milwaukee Brewers tuned to the proceedings. The outcome lowered the Cardinals' magic number to five, with an opportunity to go even lower with a series-clinching victory. Any combination of five wins or losses by the nearest rival in the National League Central standings will result in a divisional crown.
"That's one of the neat experiences of being in a pennant race and trying to get to the finish line," said manager Tony La Russa, adding that the constant emphasis on the number value was not a hindrance. "You're aware of it, and it keeps you focused on the game you're playing because you can knock a number off."
The Reds fell 7 1/2 games behind the Cards, with just 10 games remaining on their docket and 12 for St. Louis. Barring a remarkable collapse, the Cardinals will claim division titles in three straight years for the second time in team history, the first occurring from 1942-44. Still, La Russa was guarded about that reality.
"[You don't celebrate] until your magic number is zero," La Russa said. "If you're guaranteed a tie and you have the best record, that's not zero."