Brandon Woodruff struck out 10 over six scoreless innings and Devin Williams delivered four big outs late to boost the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night.
The victory combined with the Phillies’ loss to the Cubs in Chicago moved the Brewers within a half-game of Philadelphia for the third and final NL wild-card spot with seven to play.
Cardinals starter Jose Quintana (6-7) struck out seven in five innings. He allowed only one run.
Woodruff became the first pitcher in franchise history to record four consecutive 10-strikeout games.
The outcome assured the Cardinals the number three seed and will play a wildcard team in a best of three series in St. Louis beginning Friday, October 7th.
The Cardinals take Thursday off before beginning a series against the Pirates on Friday.
RHP Jordan Hicks (arm fatigue and neck spasms) has been making good progress with his throwing program and will throw off a mound Friday then again on Sunday. If all goes well, he could get activated in time for St. Louis’ season-ending series at Pittsburgh and be available for the start of the playoffs.