Ranking the St. Louis Cardinals' Most Pivotal Remaining Series

The St. Louis Cardinals are once again in the race for the playoffs.

Key series against the NL's best will determine whether the Redbirds have a shot to defend their title.

It took a 20-8 record after August 28th last season to capture a wild card berth.

They won't need a historic comeback to make the postseason this year, but the remaining stretch of games for the Cardinals in 2012 will be just as crucial.

Here are the most pivotal remaining series for the champs of last season.

4. Chicago Cubs

While the rest of the league has enjoyed beating up on the Chicago Cubs this season, the Cardinals have struggled to win on a consistent basis against their rivals.

The Redbirds' 8-6 record against the team with the second worst record in the MLB is a little head-scratching, but history tells us the stats can be thrown out in these matchups.

The Cubs already have reservations on the couch for the month of October. They would love to have the Cardinals join them by winning a September 21-23 series at Wrigley Field.

St. Louis must take care of business to stay in good position, while keeping the Cubs "Completely Useless By September."

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

Midseason acquisitions of Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Hanley Ramirez have the Dodgers in place to be major NL contenders down the stretch.

With the Dodgers sitting only 2.5 games back from the Cardinals in the wild card race, a four-game series in Los Angeles starting September 13th will be key for both clubs.

Matt Kemp's squad swept the Redbirds the last time they played in L.A., but then dropped three of four in St. Louis in July.

Their next matchup will likely determine the wild card favorites heading into the regular season's final hour.

2. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have been the surprise of the MLB this season.

Sporting a 77-51 record, only the Cincinnati Reds have a better mark in all of baseball.

The Nats have hit a cold patch of late, losing their last five contests. A four game lead in the NL East puts them in a good spot to make the postseason for the first time since their move to Washington.

Stephen Strasburg's 15-5 record has carried the young ball club. However, there is talk that the ace will be limited, or even shut down, at the end of the season.

The Cardinals have seven games lined up against the Nationals in the home stretch, including a four-game series in Washington beginning August 30th.

How the Redbirds perform against their potential playoff opponents in two pivotal series will be key.

1. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds-Cardinals rivalry has livened up throughout the past few seasons.

With both teams pushing for the playoffs, the competition has reached its boiling point this year.

The Reds boast the best record in the sport, in addition to a seven-game lead in the NL Central.

Nevertheless, their season series with the Redbirds has been dead even in 2012, splitting in their 12 games.

It remains to be seen whether the Cardinals can catch the Reds in the chase for the division crown. Even so, an epic conclusion is sure to be in store for an October 1-3 series in St. Louis to close out regular season play.

Whether the Cardinals are battling for their playoff lives or not, this matchup should be highlighted on everyone's calendar in Cardinals Nation.