Phillies defeat Cardinals 6-5 in wild card race

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 on Monday night at Busch Stadium, overcoming a late rally and a taxed bullpen to secure a crucial victory in the National League wild card race. Edmundo Sosa, facing his former team, drove in three runs, while rookie pitcher Andrew Painter carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

The Phillies took an early lead in the second inning after a critical throwing error by Cardinals starter Hunter Dobbins. With Brandon Marsh on first base, Derek Hill hit a comebacker to the mound. Dobbins' throw to first sailed over the first baseman's head, allowing Marsh to score and Hill to reach third. Sosa then lined an RBI single to left field, putting Philadelphia ahead 2-0. The Phillies added another run in the fifth on a throwing error by right fielder Jordan Walker, extending their lead to 3-0.

Kyle Schwarber, who leads the National League with 35 home runs, contributed by reaching base four times. He singled and scored in the fifth and delivered an RBI double in the seventh to drive in Garrett Stubbs. Sosa provided a key insurance run with a two-run double in the top of the eighth, making the score 6-2.