Cardinals Down Pirates, Advance; MLB Roundup

Cardinals Advance To NLCS With Win Over Pirates

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Cardinals are in the National League Championship Series for the third straight year. David Freese and Matt Adams both hit two-run homers as the Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 in Game Five of their NL Division Series at Busch Stadium. Adam Wainwright went the distance, allowing just one run while striking out six as he improved to 2-0 in the playoffs. Jon Jay and Pete Kozma also knocked in a run each for the Redbirds, who will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game One of the NLCS on Friday. Pedro Alvarez plated the lone run for the Bucs on an infield single in the seventh inning. Rookie Gerrit Cole gave up two runs on three hits over five frames to suffer the loss.

Yankees Sign Girardi To Four-Year Contract

(Bronx, NY) -- Joe Girardi is returning to the New York Yankees' dugout. The Bronx Bombers have signed their manager to a four-year contract extension through 2017.  Girardi says his family had plenty of input into this decision.

Girardi's current deal was set to expire at the end of this month. The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals were also reportedly interested in his services. Girardi has been with New York since 2008. The Yankees finished third in the American League East this season with an 85-77 record.

Wednesday, October 9 Scoreboard

MLB Playoffs

St. Louis Cardinals 6, Pittsburgh Pirates 1
(Cardinals win best-of-five NLDS, 3-2)

Thursday, October 10 Schedule (Time Central)

MLB Playoffs

7:07 p.m. - Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics
(Best-of-five ALDS tied, 2-2)