Cubs claim NL Central title

CHICAGO. The Cubs doused champagne on their jubilant fans after winning their second successive National League Central Division title with a 5-4 victory at home over the St. Louis Cardinals. “To do it in this ballpark, in front of these fans, two years, back to back, this never gets old,” Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa told reporters. The Cubs had not made the playoffs in successive seasons since 1908, the last year they won the World Series. Alfonso Soriano drove in two runs with a second-inning single and Ted Lilly overcame a three-run homer from Cardinals' third baseman Troy Glaus in the sixth to claim his 16th victory of the season.

The victory ensured a career high of wins for Lilly (16-9) in a season. He gave up four runs and six hits while striking out five and walking two before leaving after the seventh inning. Carlos Marmol pitched the eighth and Kerry Wood the ninth.

REUTERS