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(AP) -- The Atlanta Braves never seem to lose when Kris Medlen is their starting pitcher.

They sure hope to extend his amazing streak for at least one more game.

The Braves have won 23 consecutive games started by Medlen - a modern big league record. On Friday, he'll go in the inaugural wild-card playoff against the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.

The winner advances to face NL East champion Washington in the divisional round.

The loser is done for the season.

Medlen (10-1, 1.57 ERA) says he doesn't think much about the streak that began in 2010, except when reminded of it by the media.

The Cardinals will counter with 16-game winner Kyle Lohse. If not for the new postseason format, St. Louis would have beenwatching from home.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)