The Cincinnati Reds
(87-68) entered Petco Park in San Diego on Friday 7.5 games up on the
Cardinals in the NL Central standings with a magic number of three. After
losing two of three games to the Padres, and the Cards dropping just one of
three to the Cubs, the Reds' magic number was reduced to ONE after this
weekend. Aside from breaking a three game losing streak, the Reds 12-2
victory over the Padres on Sunday clinched a NL Central Division tie. Only
if the Cardinals win their final seven games, and the Reds lose their final
six, can St. Louis enter postseason play. The tie-breaker would go to the
Cardinals if the situation somehow occurs because of their 12-6 series
record against Cincinnati during the 2010 regular season. The Reds are off
today, but could clinch their first playoff berth since 1995 if St. Louis
decides to lose to the Pirates tonight. Ex-Red Kyle Lohse (4-8, 7.18) will
face Charlie Morton (2-11, 8.11) at Busch Stadium at 8:05pm.