The first-place Cardinals begin a three-game weekend series with the Brewers tonight at 7:40.

St. Louis enters the series four games ahead of Milwaukee in the division. The Brewers are tied for the second Wildcard spot in the National league after winning their last seven games. They won three straight games against the Cubs, and then swept the Marlins in a three-game set. The Cardinals are coming off of a series loss in Colorado. It was the first time they lost a series since early August against the Dodgers.

“Now is the time for the Cardinals to get hot. They can easily take down the Brewers,” senior Jacob Justice said.

In the first game of the series, Adam Wainwright will face off against Milwaukee’s Adrian Houser. For Saturday’s contest, Flaherty gets the start against Jordan Lyles at 6:15. Michael Wacha will line up against Chase Anderson in the final game of the series Sunday at 1:15. St. Louis enters the weekend with an 82-64 record, while Milwaukee is 78-68.

“The pitching matchups favor the Cardinals. You never know with this team though,” senior Harrison Reibow said.

The Brewers’ MVP candidate Christian Yelich is out for the remainder of the season. He suffered a fractured kneecap on Wednesday in Miami. The Cardinals have avoided injuries. As for both of the teams’ remaining schedules, St. Louis’ remaining strength of schedule is 0.4, while Milwaukee’s sits at 0.2, according to Baseball Reference. After three games against the Brewers, the Redbirds have four games in Chicago, three in Arizona and then they host the Cubs for three games to close out the season. 

“The whole season is going to come down to this final stretch,” senior Sophia Giltner said.

With a series sweep, St. Louis’ division lead could grow to as high as seven games and diminish Milwaukee’s playoff chances. However, a Brewers sweep would put them just one game back of first place.