[rink23]

Record: 90-72, 1st, 11 GA Quad City; NL South Division champions
Although St. Louis didn't want to play this game, it did allow them to end the season on a win as rookie Matt Wilson pitched six strong innings and the River Walkers downed Columbus 2-1 in their regular-season finale at Busch Stadium (2006).
The game was a makeup of a rain out earlier in the season. It made no difference in the standings, but with the Walkers having lost three straight at Peoria it was probably nice to go into the National League championship series against Twin Cities on a victory.
Wilson (2-2), who may end up in the St. Louis bullpen for the playoffs, worked six shut-out innings allowing five hits. He struck out four and walked two.
St. Louis had built a 2-0 lead by the time Wilson left the game.
Rookie Mark Waterson hit his 25th home run of the season, it came off Golden Bears starting pitcher Cesar Gamez, to lead off the bottom of the second.
The Walkers added their second run in the fifth.
Jackson Miller led off with a single off Gamez.
He scored on a double by Bob Saavedra.
After Wilson exited, St. Louis needed five relievers to cover the final three innings.
Nick Ruffalo's second-half struggles continued as he allowed a homer to Nolan Gorman in the seventh.
Scott Rissler finished off the seventh and got the first out of the eighth.
Armando Cintron got the second out of the eighth, but then had to leave the game with an undisclosed injury.
Ron Cox wrapped up the eighth with the Walkers still in front.
Bobby Westerman held Columbus scoreless in the ninth for his 27th save.