Cardinals turn to Wainwright in crucial game vs. Giants

Right-hander Adam Wainwright will attempt to pitch himself into postseason form while at the same time helping the St. Louis Cardinals take another step toward the playoffs when he goes against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals (85-69) got a tie-breaking, two-run double from pinch-hitter Matt Adams in the eighth inning Friday night to win the series opener from the Giants 5-3 and retain a 1 1/2-game lead over the Colorado Rockies (83-70) in the duel for the second wild-card playoff spot in the National League. Wainwright (2-3, 3.72) has started twice since returning from a nearly four-month absence due to elbow and hamstring issues, having shown significant progress from his first start to his second.