ST. LOUIS (AP) – Addison Russell hit a three-run homer and John Lackey pitched six strong innings as the Chicago Cubs clinched their second consecutive National League Central title with a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night.
The Cardinals are now 3 1/2 games behind Colorado for the second wild card spot. One more St. Louis loss or Rockies win means the Cardinals will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The Cubs reached the postseason for the third straight year for the first time since 1908. They are also the first defending World Series champion to win their division the next season since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies and the first defending champion to reach the playoffs the next season since the Cardinals won the wild card in 2012.
The Cubs became the second visiting team to celebrate a title at Busch Stadium III. The 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers won the NLDS at St. Louis.
Lackey (12-11) retired the final 10 batters he faced. The former Cardinal struck out three and gave up two hits and two walks.
Six Cubs relievers combined for three scoreless innings of relief.
The four-game series wraps up Thursday night at Busch Stadium. Lance Lynn (11-8) starts for the Cardinals while Kyle Hendricks (7-5) goes for the Cubs. Game time is 6:15 with the pre-game at 5:20 on KTLO-AM.
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