MLB playoffs standings 2014: Pirates gain a half-game on idle Cardinals

The Pirates' offense turned it in on in Atlanta, moving them within one game of the NL Central title.

The Pittsburgh Pirates tromped the Atlanta Braves, 10-1, on Thursday evening, with Edinson Volquez twirling seven strong innings, lowering his ERA to an incredible 3.04. He struck out 10 in the outing, allowing only one walk, as the Pirates edged closer to a division crown after securing a playoff spot earlier in the week.

The Cardinals didn't play on Thursday, allowing the Pirates to pick up half a game, narrowing their deficit to one. The Pirates are set to begin a three game set with division rival Cincinnati, and the Cardinals travel to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks, who recently announced the hiring of new General Manager Dave Stewart.

American League

	Team	W-L	Pct	GB
ALW	Angels	98-61	.616	---
ALE	Orioles	95-64	.597	---
ALC	Tigers	89-70	.560	---
WC1	Royals	87-72	.547	+1
WC2	Athletics	86-73	.541	---
	Mariners	84-75	.528	2
	Indians	83-76	.522	3

National League

	Team	W-L	Pct	GB
NLE	Nationals	93-65	.589	---
NLW	Dodgers	91-68	.572	---
NLC	Cardinals	88-71	.553	---
WC1	Pirates	87-72	.547	+1
WC2	Giants	86-73	.541	---

Notables

• You might have heard, but last night was Derek Jeter's last game at Yankee Stadium. But he wasn't the only true professional who stayed true to himself.
  
  

  
  

  You wouldn’t believe it if it was scripted. But in a big moment, a legend did what made him famous. http://ift.tt/1v8pIlO

  
  — Rodger Sherman (@rodger_sherman) September 26, 2014

  
  


• Eric Hosmer homered to tie the game in the sixth inning, and the Royals went on to win, 6-3. They continue their march toward their first playoff appearance since 1985.
  
  

  
  

  Not only is the Royals' magic number for a playoff spot down to 1, even more amazingly, their magic number to HOST A PLAYOFF GAME is only 2.

  
  — Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) September 26, 2014

  
  

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