Padres vs. Cardinals

Three of a kind: Cards complete sweep

Reggie Sanders, who set an NLDS record with 10 RBIs, is doused with champagne. (Chris Carlson/AP)

Behind a strong effort from Matt Morris, a big night at the plate from David Eckstein and a record-setting performance by Reggie Sanders, the Cardinals advanced to the NLCS with a 7-4 victory over the Padres in Game 3 on Saturday. Wrap | Complete coverage >

nyy v laa		bos v cws		sd v stl		hou v atl

10/8, GAME 3: Cardinals 7, Padres 4 Wrap >

Cards equipped to go distance

The 2005 Cards have some work to do to match the success of the '04 team, but with Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder atop the rotation and David Eckstein leading off, MLB.com's John Schlegel writes that this club may be better suited to celebrate a World Series title. More >

• MLB.com wraps up SD-STL:

350K
• Pujols talks to reporters:

350K
• Carpenter talks to MLB.com:

350K
• NLDS wrap:

350K

More Video >

• Sanders' postgame interview

• Pujols' postgame interview

• Interviews with Carpenter and Molina

• Eckstein's postgame interview

More Audio >

• Padres swept by Cards in Game 3
• Padres reach the end of the road
• Cards finish off sweep of Padres
• Sanders sets NLDS RBI record

More News >

Game 3 Action

• launch gallery

Game 3 Pregame

• launch gallery

More Photos >

10/7: OFF-DAY

San Diego Padres

Friars turn to veteran Williams
Woody Williams knows what it takes to start a big game. And Saturday at PETCO Park, he takes the hill in a game the Padres must win in order to keep their season alive. More >

St. Louis Cardinals

Cards eye sweep behind Morris
Despite some late-season struggles by Matt Morris, the Cards are confident their veteran can close out the three-game sweep of the NLDS on Saturday at PETCO Park. More >

10/6, GAME 2: Cardinals 6, Padres 2 Wrap >

Small ball a big boost to Cards

The Cards can play a lot of different kinds of ball, all of it good. On Thursday, they went with small ball and executed it to perfection. The Padres couldn't, which is a big reason why, MLB.com's John Schlegel writes, they're on the brink of elimination in the NLDS. More >

10/5: OFF-DAY

San Diego Padres

Astacio set to take the stage
In a season that saw his release by Texas, Pedro Astacio has come full circle, taking the hill for San Diego in Thursday's Game 2 of the NLDS against the Cardinals. More >

St. Louis Cardinals

Steady Mulder ready for Game 2 start
Mark Mulder pitched in big playoff games for the A's a few years ago, so the veteran southpaw's feeling no pressure entering his Game 2 start against the Padres. More >

10/4, GAME 1: Cardinals 8, Padres 5 Wrap >

Cards ensure history repeats

It was a case of déjà vu all over again at Busch Stadium in the postseason opener for 2005, which was good news for the Cardinals and bad news for their visitors from the National League West. More >

SERIES PREVIEW

San Diego Padres

Padres buckle up for another ride
The Padres endured an amazing ride and reached the postseason. How far they go will depend on how this mix of determined players respond to playoff pressure. More >

St. Louis Cardinals

Aces in rotation hold Cards' fate
Last year, the Cardinals' offense carried them to the World Series. This time around, the Redbirds will rely more on their starting pitching to keep games close. More >

Below is an advertisement.