Cardinals are playing like they are on a mission to finish what they started last year. This team is BETTER than last year as their pitching staff is the best in NL from 1-5, and built for playoffs. They may need some experience middle relief at trade deadline but before Friday's meltdown, had not allowed a run in 10 games. Izzy is pitching as well right now as anytime during his career. The fact that Cards have not hit consistently yet, is just the icing on the cake. All those naysayers that said we would be weaker defensively up the middle, Cards have been just as good if not better early on. From what I have seen from main competitors in division in Cubs,Astros, and Reds, this race may be over right now. I predicted 10 games up at all star break and realistically it is looking like it is possible. If they get thru next few weeks with 3 games at Atlanta, 4 at home vs Padres and Dodgers, they may coast.