CHICAGO - The St. Louis Cardinals have become the first team to clinch a post-season berth this year despite losing 5-4 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

The Cardinals fell at Wrigley Field, but manager Mike Matheny's team later sealed a playoff spot when San Francisco lost to Arizona 6-0. The Giants' defeat ensured St. Louis at least an NL wild-card slot.

St. Louis has the best record in the majors at 92-56 and will play in the post-season for the fifth straight year. The Cardinals have made it at least to the NL Championship Series the last four seasons.

The Cardinals lead the NL Central by 4 1/2 games over Pittsburgh, which played later at Dodger Stadium. St. Louis is 6-10 over its past 16 games, including series losses to the Pirates, Cubs, Reds and again to the Cubs this weekend.