Cardinals Win Central Division

The St. Louis Cardinals clinched another National League Central title Thursday night in what has become a customary experience under Manager Tony La Russa.

Jeff Suppan gave up six hits over eight-plus innings and the Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs, 6-1, in a game called with two outs in the bottom of the ninth after a 58-minute rain delay at Chicago.

St. Louis’ fourth NL Central title in the last six years made the Cardinals the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season.

The victory over the Cubs coupled with Atlanta’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia gave St. Louis (94-54) the division title because Houston could at best match the Cardinals at 94 wins, with both teams assured of playoff berths at that figure. St. Louis has the tiebreaker because it clinched the season series against the Astros.

But La Russa said they wouldn’t acknowledge the division title until the Cardinals’ magic number over second-place Houston is zero.

“You’re watching the number and go ‘10-9-8’ and get to one and you’re going to celebrate?” La Russa said. “Zero is when you celebrate. That’s what we’re doing to do.”

Houston 4, Florida 1 -- Andy Pettitte gave up one run over eight innings to win his sixth straight start and the host Astros moved back into the wild-card lead.

Atlanta 6, Philadelphia 4 -- Chipper Jones hit two homers and tied his career-high with five RBIs, helping the Braves avert a four-game sweep at Philadelphia.

Washington 6, New York 5 -- Vinny Castilla drove in the go-ahead run with two out in the 10th inning at New York.

Milwaukee 14, Arizona 2 -- Bill Hall had a career-high five hits and Chad Moeller drove in four runs at Phoenix.