Milwaukee’s torrid push to overtake the Cardinals for the National League Central title has extended the race to the final three-game series for each team.

While the Cardinals scoreboard watch the Brewers at Colorado on Friday through Sunday, the only way they can eliminate all other scenarios and assure themselves of the Central championship is to sweep the Cubs at Busch Stadium. Otherwise they will need help from the Rockies.

Here are the playoff possibilities for the Cardinals:

• Central Division champs: The Cardinals would play in the NL Division Series beginning Thursday in Atlanta.

• Central Division tie: The Cardinals would host Milwaukee in a one-game tiebreaker Monday at Busch Stadium. The winner would advance to the NLDS in Atlanta, and the loser would play in the wild-card game Tuesday against Washington.