While the American League needed the final day of the season to determine its playoff matchups, the National League already had its schedule determined.
National League postseason match-ups and schedule
The playoff matchups are set, and the Braves and Cardinals are set to kick off the action on Friday.
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The Braves never had much of a chance of catching the Nationals, but they clinched their Wild Card spot early, courtesy of Freddie Freeman's walk-off home run on Sept. 25. Atlanta will tab Kris Medlen as its starter for Friday's Wild Card Game. Medlen, who was voted the National League's Pitcher of the Month for September, has been almost unbeatable since returning from Tommy John surgery in late July. The righty tossed 138 innings, allowing just 103 hits and 20 walks while whiffing 120 batters.
The Cardinals clinched the second Wild Card on Tuesday and have announced that Kyle Lohse will take the mound on Friday. Lohse, who will be a free agent at season's end, improved upon his 2011 campaign by hurling 211 innings and giving up 192 hits and 38 walks while striking out 143.
All games are broadcast on TBS.
Wild Card Game
St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves - Friday, October 5, 5:00 ET
NL Division Series - San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds
Game 1: Saturday, October 6 at San Francisco (9:30 p.m.)
Game 2: Sunday, October 7 at San Francisco
Game 3: Tuesday, October 9 at Cincinnati
Game 4 (if necessary): Wednesday, October 10 at Cincinnati
Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, October 11 at Cincinnati
NL Division Series - Washington Nationals vs. Braves/Cardinals
Game 1: Sunday, October 7 at Atlanta/St. Louis
Game 2: Monday, October 8 at Atlanta/St. Louis
Game 3: Wednesday, October 10 at Washington
Game 4 (if necessary): Thursday, October 11 at Washington
Game 5 (if necessary): Friday, October 12 at Washington
The NL Championship Series starts Oct. 14. Game 1 of the World Series is set for Oct. 24, at the NL champion’s park.
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