…And down the stretch they come!

It’s Labor Day weekend and the summer is unofficially over but one month of the season still remains for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Aug 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran (3) is congratulated by left fielder Matt Holliday (7) after scoring on a double by first baseman Allen Craig (not pictured) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium. St. Louis defeated Cincinnati 6-1. Image Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
This weekend marks the beginning of a crucial ten game stretch for the St. Louis Cardinals with a three game series on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates and a four game series on the road against the Cincinnati Reds. After the road trip, they return to St. Louis to host the Pirates for another series. These are must-win games as the battle for the National League Central heats up.

With six games against the Pirates, the Cards have a chance to further their lead in the division. Whether or not that happens, I don’t know but it helps the Cardinals more than it hurts. Soon, every team can expand their roster so the Cardinals will have added bullpen relief which will only help the team as the team paves the way into October.

The Cards stayed afloat at the top of the division yesterday after the Milwaukee Brewers won their fourth game of a six game road trip that saw them take on both the Brewers and Pirates. The Brewers’ recent road trip was very helpful for the Cardinals.

It does help the Cards that the Reds have a three game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and six more games against the Pirates.

While everyone else is focused on the start of college football season, there’s still plenty of baseball to be played.

If you are outside the viewing area, today’s Cardinals-Pirates game can be viewed on the MLB Network.