Since they were awarded the division title after tying the Dodgers but holding the better record in the head-to-head regular season series, the Padres drew the division champion with the worse record. It didn't much matter in the NLDS, as the Cardinals outscored the Padres, 14-6, over four games.

Chris Carpenter and Jeff Weaver pitched well in Game 1 and 2 victories for St. Louis, setting the tone for the series (Carpenter also won Game 4). A young Adam Wainwright made three appearances out of the St. Louis bullpen, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

Chris Young's 6 2/3 shutout innings in Game 3 helped the Padres to their lone victory.

Veteran Dave Roberts had a series-high seven hits for San Diego, while St. Louis was led by Ronnie Belliard's six hits and Albert Pujols' three RBIs.

Path to the NLCS
NLDS: St. Louis (83-78) won the NL Central by 1 1/2 games; San Diego (88-74) finished the regular season tied with Los Angeles for first in the NL West, and won the division title by virtue of winning the season series against the Dodgers 

Managers:Phil Garner, HOU; Tony La Russa, STL

MVP: Roy Oswalt