Around the NL Central: September 25 Edition

News:

After Carlos Marmol blew a save yesterday against the Cardinals, the Chicago Tribune has a poll up asking fans whether he should be the closer next season.  Currently, a whopping 85% of voters have said that he should not be the closer. 

The Houston Chronicle has a first look at the upcoming draft and the Astros first overall pick, as well as a look at how the Astros have done when drafting first overall in the past.

Yesterday's Games:

The Cardinals beat the Cubs 2-1 thanks in part to the aforementioned Carlos Marmol blown save.  The Cubs scored one run in the first inning via an Alfonso Soriano RBI single, and that was the only run scored for the next eight innings, before the Cardinals put a two spot up in the ninth to walk off with the victory.

The Astros lost to the Rockies 4-2 in thirteen innings.  J.A. Happ allowed just three hits in seven innings, but also allowed four walks en route to giving up two runs.  Jordan Lyles came in in a relief role in the thirteenth inning and promptly gave up two runs while recording just one out. 

The Pirates beat the Reds 4-3.  Travis Wood had a tough go of it, giving up four runs in just 2.2 innings.  The rest of the Reds' pitchers shut down the Pirates for the remainder of the game but it wasn't quite enough as their offense couldn't overcome the deficit. 

The Brewers beat the Marlins 6-4.  You can find our recap here.

Updated Standings:

Today's Matchups:

The Reds and Dontrelle Willis (0-6, 5.04) take on the Pirates and James McDonald (9-9, 4.28).

Lucas Harrell (0-1, 3.86) gets the start for the Astros as the face the Rockies and Kevin Millwood (3-3, 4.56).

The Brewers and Chris Narveson (10-8, 4.40) face the Marlins and Ricky Nolasco (10-11, 4.46).

The Cardinals and Edwin Jackson (12-9, 3.85) play one more against the Cubs and Randy Wells (7-5, 5.09).