Showdown in San Francisco. Battle by the Bay. The Clash at McCovey Cove. The Cardinals arrive in The City for a four-game series against one of the two other teams challenging for the National League wild card berths. Enter the Giants. To preview this pivotal series, Post-Dispatch writers Derrick Goold and Benjamin Hochman discuss how it could begin the defining week of the 2016 season for the Cardinals. In this era of after-the-fact story lines, whether the Cardinals reach the postseason will color everything that came before October, from the ragged defensive play to the power-up offense. The bouquet (trust us) of this year will depend on the next seven games. "Best Case Scenario" managing and Alex Reyes' return to the rotation is also discussed. Siri is consulted. And, an apology is issued to people who accidentally found this episode while searching for the Best Podcast on Spaceballs. Hochman explains. He does not sing.