ST. LOUIS (AP) — Lance Lynn’s strong finish has earned him the start in Game 2 of the National League division series for the St. Louis Cardinals. Lynn worked six scoreless innings in the Central clincher Friday night against the Cubs. He won his last two starts to end a skid in which he was 0-5 with a 5.44 ERA in eight outings. He also has pitched the last two postseasons.

Matheny chose Lynn ahead of rookies Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly, who have had stronger overall seasons and Michael Wacha. Wacha threw 8 2-3 innings of no-hit ball against Washington in his last start. The manager would not announce starters for Games 3 and 4. Adam Wainwright pitches the opener Thursday against the winner of the wild-card game between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and could also go in Game 5, if necessary.

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — One might think the lone disappointment for Matt Carpenter in his breakout season was falling one hit shy of 200. Except the St. Louis Cardinals leadoff man isn’t that big on statistics, and he didn’t even notice he was in range until the last few days. There have been so many other accomplishments, too.

The 27-year-old Carpenter came to spring training needing to learn a new position so he’d fit in the lineup. He enters the postseason as perhaps the best leadoff man in the game, a second baseman who’ll never hurt you on defense and an MVP candidate. Carpenter was a full-time starter for the first time, then a first-time All-star, and never let up.

He led the majors in hits, runs, doubles and multihit games. He had 55 doubles, breaking Stan Musial’s franchise record of 53 by a left-handed hitter.