MIAMI -- On a day in which they finalized a seven-player trade designed to boost their chances at ending a 12-year playoff drought, the Marlins watched the Cardinals elbow past them in the National League Wild Card race by battering starter Jose Urena. Buoyed by a six-run fifth that chased Urena from the game, the Cardinals captured their ninth win in 12 games on Friday with an 11-6 victory at Marlins Park.
The win positions the Cardinals one game ahead of the Marlins for the second NL Wild Card spot. The Dodgers entered the day with a two-game lead over both clubs for the first Wild Card berth.