The Milwaukee Brewers took another step toward clinching the NL Central title with a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The win, coupled with a loss by the second-place Chicago Cubs, gives the Brewers a four-game lead with just over a week remaining in the regular season.

Brewers ace Corbin Burnes delivered a vintage performance, striking out 12 over seven innings while allowing just two runs. Burnes has been a key part of Milwaukee’s success this season, and his strong outing against the Cardinals was another reminder of why he is considered one of the best pitchers in baseball.

The Brewers' offense did just enough to support Burnes, with Christian Yelich delivering the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning. William Contreras also homered, providing an early lead that the Brewers would not relinquish.

Milwaukee’s bullpen, led by Devin Williams, shut the door on the Cardinals, with Williams recording his 38th save of the season. The Brewers now have a magic number of three to clinch the division, and manager Craig Counsell is keeping his team focused on the task at hand. “We’re close, but we’re not there yet,” Counsell said. “We need to keep pushing until we’ve secured the division.”

For the Cardinals, the loss continues a disappointing season that has seen them fall out of contention early. St. Louis is now looking ahead to the offseason, where they will have to make significant changes to return to contention in 2024.