ATLANTA – The St. Louis Cardinals turned the diamond into a giant pinball machine, dinging hits all over SunTrust Park. By the time the Atlanta Braves finally got the third out, it was the most productive first inning in postseason history.
The Cardinals scored 10 runs their first time up at the plate and dealt Atlanta another playoff heartbreak, routing the Braves 13-1 on Wednesday in the decisive Game 5 of their National League Division Series.
“That was crazy,” said St. Louis left fielder Marcell Ozuna, one of five players who batted twice in the stunning outburst. “We got a good opportunity – and we took it.”
Before many fans had reached their seats, the Cardinals were already booking their plans for the NL Championship Series, where they will face either the Washington Nationals in a best-of-seven set that starts Friday. The Nationals rallied to win Game 5 of their NLDS 7-3 in 10 innings late Wednesday night.
It will be the Cardinals’ first NLCS appearance since 2014.