VIDEO: Matt Carpenter, Paul Goldschmidt and Cardinals Destroying Cubs as NL Central Clinch Nears

The St. Louis Cardinals are well on their way to polishing off their first NL Central title since 2015, and they're doing it in convincing fashion. Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt have both helped the offense jump out to a massive 9-0 lead over a weak Cubs team that's resting all of its starters. Yes, it finally appears they'll fall after two consecutive days of playing spoiler.

Carpenter slugged a three-run home run as part of a four-run third inning for St. Louis.

Offseason acquisition Paul Goldschmidt, however, was the one who got the scoring started in the first inning with an RBI single.

And yes, he also dingered.

All they need is a victory to clinch the division and force the streaking Milwaukee Brewers to be content with a one-game Wild Card playoff against the Washington Nationals.

There's still plenty of baseball left to play, but considering the way things have looked throughout the game, there's going to be plenty of champagne bottles popping in the clubhouse in St. Louis.