Cards Take Central Division Title, Hannibal Pirates Roll Over Kirksville [Audio}

UNDATED (AP) - The St. Louis Cardinals are the NL Central champions after beating the Cubs Friday night.

Lance Lynn pitched six strong innings and Yadier Molina (YAH'-dee-her) Molina had three RBIs as the Redbirds shut out the Chicago Cubs 7-0.

Saturday’s gametime moved up due to expected inclement weather in St. Louis. Pregame on KHMO begins at 2:20, first pitch 3:15.

The Pittsburgh Pirates own a two-game lead over Cincinnati for the first NL wild-card berth. AJ Burnett tossed eight innings, Pedro Alvarez hit a two-run homer and Marlon Byrd provided a two-run single as the Bucs downed the Reds 4-1.

UNDATED (AP) - Tampa Bay and Cleveland are in a dead heat for the two American League wild-card berths following the Rays' 6-3 loss at Toronto and the Indians' 12-6 triumph in Minnesota. Texas is just a game behind the wild-card co-leaders after a 5-3 win over the Angels. Should the three teams end up in a tie, the Indians would host Tampa Bay in a one-game playoff and the loser of that game would play in Texas to decide the second wild-card berth.

In High School Football, the Hannibal Pirates overpowered Kirksville last night, 33 to 20. Sports Director Bill Shuler says the Tigers' offense got going early last night, and Hannibal found themselves trailing Kirksville 8 to 0, then 8 to 6, and then 14 to 6... but then the Pirate defense helped take control of the game...

Sports Director Bill Shuler's game wrap...