By Greg Halbleib
The Cardinals are not headed to the post-season for the first time in six years. The Cards won the final game of the season 10-4 over the Pirates, but the Giants also won to clinch the last National League wild card spot. The Orioles and Blue Jays grabbed the American League wild cards on the final day and they’ll open the playoffs tomorrow night in Toronto. The Giants and Mets begin the National League wild card series Wednesday night in New York.
The Cubs beat the Reds 7-4 for their 103rd win of the season as they wait for the Giants-Mets winner.
The White Sox lost the season finale 6-3 to the Twins. After the game, Robin Ventura announced he’s not returning as Sox manager. He’s in the last year of his contract. The Sun-Times reported bench coach Rick Renteria will take over as manager although the team has not named a replacement.
The Bears earned their first win of the season, 17-14 over the visiting Lions. Brian Hoyer threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns while filling in for Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. The Bears visit Indianapolis this week.
Other NFL winners were the Bills, who shut out the Patriots 16-0 in the final game of Tom Brady’s suspension, Seahawks, Jaguars, Redskins, Falcons, Raiders, Texans, Broncos, Cowboys, Saints, Rams, Steelers and Bengals. The Giants visit Minnesota in the Monday night game.
The United States won the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008 and by the widest margin since 1981.
