This series pitted the playoff team with best record against the playoff team with the weakest record, and it was reflected in St. Louis' three-game sweep of San Diego. None of the three games were decided by less than three runs as St. Louis pounced on San Diego ace Jake Peavy in Game 1 and never looked back.

Reggie Sanders had just four hits in the series for St. Louis but managed to drive in 10 of the Cardinals' 21 runs in the series thanks, in part, to two doubles and a Game 1 grand slam. David Eckstein and Albert Pujols also combined for 10 hits and six RBIs.

Path to the NLDS: St. Louis (100-62) won the NL Central by 11 games; San Diego (82-80) won the NL West by five games?

Managers: Tony La Russa, STL; Bruce Bochy, SD