Cards have decorated postseason success
ST. LOUIS -- A postseason participant for the fifth straight season, the Cardinals have already accomplished something never before done in franchise history. But this is a club conditioned not just to play into October but also deep into it.
The Cardinals, who finished the season with the Majors' best record, are seeking to become the first team since the Braves (1995-99) to advance to the League Championship Series in five straight years. The club is also eyeing a third trip to the World Series in a five-year span. They have thus far advanced to the Fall Classic once under manager Mike Matheny.
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As the Cardinals, champions of the National League Central, prepare to face the winner of Wednesday's NL Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser between Pittsburgh and Chicago in Friday's NL Division Series on TBS, here is a quick look at their postseason history.
Last time made playoffs: The Cardinals advanced the NLCS in 2014 before the Giants halted their pursuit of another World Series appearance. After defeating the Dodgers in the NL Division Series, the Cardinals dropped three straight in San Francisco to lose the NLCS in five games.
Last time won playoff series: The Cardinals overcame the Dodgers' home-field advantage by beating Clayton Kershaw twice to take down the Dodgers, three games to one, in the 2014 NLDS.
Last time won National League pennant: Behind the arm of Michael Wacha, the Cardinals advanced to play the Red Sox in the World Series by taking out the Pirates (NLDS) and Dodgers (NLCS) in 2013. Wacha threw 13 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dodgers to win the NLCS MVP Award and secure the franchise's 19th pennant.
Last time won World Series: After nabbing the Wild Card spot on the final day of the regular season, the Cardinals carried their momentum into October to send Tony La Russa into retirement with the franchise's 11th World Series championship in 2011. The Cardinals moved past Philadelphia (NLDS) and Milwaukee (NLCS) before stunning the Rangers in the World Series.
Overall Division Series record: 10-2 in 12 series; 32-15 in 47 games, .681 percent
Overall NL Championship Series record: 7-6 in 13 series; 38-39 in 77 games, .494 percent
Overall World Series record: 11-8 in 19 series; 58-60 in 118 games, .494 percent
Overall postseason record: 28-16 in 44 series; 128-114, .529 percent