Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game while David Freese and Matt Adams each hit two-run home runs to lead the Cardinals over the Pirates 6-1 in Game 5 to capture the National League Division Series for St. Louis.
Cards advance, in GIF form

ElsaThe Pirates were done in by more than just bad luck, but the randomness of baseball was certainly a factor, especially early in the game, when employment of a shift turned into a key double play:
After that, defense took over. Perhaps playing with a touch of desperation, Pirates left fielder Starling Marte took a chance on a sinking liner off the bat of Carpenter and made a phenomenal play:
Read Article >Cardinals advance to NLCS

Dilip VishwanatMarlon Byrd had three hits to lead the Pirates.
• Meet Sir Bam Bam, who may be the future of big league managing
Read Article >Pirates doubled up again

ElsaIt appears St. Louis will be playing in its third consecutive NLCS.
• Meet Sir Bam Bam, who may be the future of big league managing
Read Article >Alvarez bounces single into RF for 1st Bucs run
With the wacky bounce, Alvarez became the first player in MLB history to record at least one RBI in each of his first six postseason games. The Cardinals hold a 3-1 lead entering the bottom of the seventh inning.
For more on this game, follow our stream or head over to Bucs Dugout and Viva El Birdos.
Read Article >Cards add a run in the 6th

USA TODAY SportsCards still up, 2-0

ElsaCole has surrendered three hits and a walk while notching three punch-outs.
• Meet Sir Bam Bam, who may be the future of big league managing
Read Article >Marte makes excellent diving grab
Carpenter is now 1 for 17 at the plate in the series.
For more on this game, follow our stream or head over to Bucs Dugout and Viva El Birdos.
Read Article >Cards jump out to 2-0 lead

ElsaCarpenter turns two
For more on this game, follow our stream or head over to Bucs Dugout and Viva El Birdos.
Read Article >Pirates vs. Cards Game 5 lineups

H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAYThe Bucs have been very consistent in their lineup construction throughout the series, and aren’t changing a thing for Game 5:
It’s the same lineup the club used the first time around against Wainwright, and also in Games 3 and 4. Pittsburgh managed only three hits against Wainwright in Game 1, so Clint Hurdle and company have to hope they can make some positive adjustments Wednesday night.
Read Article >Pirates vs. Cardinals, 2013 NLDS Game 5

Justin K. AllerIn the regular season, Wainwright had a 2.94 ERA over 34 starts, leading the league in innings pitched.
Game 5 will commence Wednesday night with first pitch scheduled for 8:07 p.m. ET. It will be aired nationally on TBS.
Read Article >NLDS 2013: Gerrit Cole to start Game 5 for Pirates

Elsa“We have one game to win,” manager Clint Hurdle said in a press conference. “As I’ve done and I’ve challenged the guys to do, we need to do the best we can to win that next game. I believe that matchup is the best we can do to beat the Cardinals in Game 5.”
In his rookie year, Cole made 19 starts with a 3.22 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. He was outstanding through September, allowing just six runs in five starts while holding batters to a 524 OPS.
Read Article >Cardinals vs. Pirates final score: Cards win 2-1


Wacha wacha Jared WickerhamCardinals vs Pirates score: 2-1, Wacha loses no-no


No mo’ no-no. H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAYWacha was removed by manager Mike Matheny after walking Russell in the 8th and was relieved by right-hander Carlos Martinez. Wacha’s final line for the game: 7⅓ innings, one run, one hit, two talks, and nine strikeouts.
• Neyer: Kill the umpire! (But read this first)
Read Article >Cards’ Michael Wacha with no-hitter through 7

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsIn Wacha’s final start of the season on September 24, he carried a no-hitter through 8 and 2/3 innings before giving up an infield hit.
Read Article >Cardinals vs. Pirates score: 0-0, Wacha perfect


His blurry arms make his delivery more deceptive. Dilip VishwanatCardinals vs Pirates: NLDS Game 4 starting lineups

H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAYPittsburgh will employ the same lineup that they used in the team’s 5-3 victory in Game 3. The Pirates official twitter account sent out a picture of the team’s starting nine:
First pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET, with coverage of the game on TBS.
Read Article >Cards vs. Pirates: Time, TV Schedule, and pitchers

Dilip VishwanatFirst pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET on TBS.
• Sex, drugs and payoffs: The A-Rod suit | Also sues Yankees’ docs
Read Article >Pirates’ 8th-inning rally leads to 5-3 win

ElsaCardinals manager Mike Matheny called on southpaw Kevin Siegrist to face Alvarez, but the third baseman delivered in the clutch, smacking a single to drive in Harrison.
Byrd slapped a two-out single, plating both runners and giving Pittsburgh an early 2-0 lead.
Read Article >Beltran homer ties NLDS Game 3 at 3-3
Pirates regain lead on Martin sac fly

Dilip VishwanatThe outfielder delivered in the clutch, cracking a two-run single to tie the game at 2-2.
• Sex, drugs and payoffs: The A-Rod suit | Also sues Yankees’ docs
Read Article >Beltran ties game at 2-2 with RBI single

Dilip VishwanatThe outfielder, known for his postseason performances, delivered in the clutch, guiding a single up the middle to drive in both runners.
• Sex, drugs and payoffs: The A-Rod suit | Also sues Yankees’ docs
Read Article >Pirates maintain 2-0 lead over Cardinals through 4

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY SportsMatt Adams turns an inning-ending double-play
It certainly helped that Morneau crushed the ball right at Adams, but the first baseman made a heads-up play to quickly apply the tag. The Cardinals, however, have not been able to do much offensively and trail 2-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth.
Read Article >Pirates jump out to early 2-0 lead over Cardinals

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsThe crowd at PNC Park really started to get into the game after the Byrd single:
Liriano tossed a second straight perfect inning, earning his second strikeout of the game against Freese. Kelly issued a two-out walk to Liriano, but otherwise worked a clean bottom half of the second.
Read Article >