For the Cardinals, though, this victory wasn't merely about delaying the Cubs' uncorking. More important, this was a win critical to keeping up in the Wild Card race. The Cardinals remain a half-game behind the Mets, who defeated the Nationals in Washington, for the second Wild Card spot.
Starting with Dexter Fowler's leadoff homer, the Cubs jumped out to a two-run lead that initiated the early exit of struggling Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny pulled Garcia with the bases loaded in the second inning, preferring to put the game into the hands of rookie right-hander Alex Reyes.