ST. LOUIS (AP) — As the euphoria of winning the National League wild card wore off in the wee hours, the St. Louis Cardinals collectively took a deep breath.
Savoring a celebration that seemed more spontaneous than scripted, they’ll try to take the September groove no one thought they had in them into October.
St. Louis trailed Atlanta by 1012 games on Aug. 25, then won 23 of the last 31 games to finish its improbable charge. The Cardinals also owe the Philadelphia Phillies a tip of the cap for ending the season with a sweep of the Braves, who lost 18 of their last 27.
But come Saturday, the 102-win Phillies will be hosting a confident, 90-win club.
