Cardinals Make Nats Pay on the Bases, Then Cash In Late at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

The St. Louis Cardinals moved to 12-9 and the Washington Nationals to 12-7 after a 6-3 finish at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

First inning

The Cardinals opened with 3 runs on 3 hits in the 1st inning while the Nationals were held to 0 runs on 0 hits.

The Cards used a 135-pitch offensive day to turn 8 hits into 5 runs batted in while leaving 7 runners on base.

Second inning

The Nationals answered with 3 runs on 3 hits in the 2nd inning as the Cards committed 2 errors in that frame.

Richard Fitts worked 4.2 innings with 5 strikeouts and 3 walks while allowing 2 earned runs, and his line anchored a staff that finished with 9 strikeouts.

Third inning

The Cardinals logged 1 hit in the 3rd inning without scoring, and the Nats posted a 0-hit inning on offense.

Masyn Winn produced a .333 batting average and a .333 on-base percentage in the previous game, and that contact profile fit a St. Louis lineup that struck out 5 times.

Fifth inning

The Cardinals added 1 run on 1 hit in the 5th inning while the Nationals went hitless, pushing St. Louis back in front after the 2nd-inning swing.

This Cardinals vs Nationals tactical recap centered on St. Louis manufacturing pressure with 2 stolen bases and on the mound limiting Washington to 5 hits overall.

Eighth inning

The Cardinals tacked on 1 run on 1 hit in the 8th inning as the Nationals stayed scoreless, and the Birds’ bullpen finished the day with a 2.077 earned run average across 4.1 innings.

Alec Burleson carried a 1.000 batting average and 1.000 on-base percentage from the previous game, and Cardinals post-match stats reflected a club on-base percentage of 0.297 for the day.

Ninth inning

The Nationals committed their 4th error in the 9th inning while trying to extend the game, and St. Louis closed out the top of the 9th with the lead intact.

This Cardinals vs Nationals result analysis also tracked game-changing plays Cardinals vs Nationals through Washington’s 4 errors against a Cardinals defense that turned 2 double plays.

On Tuesday, 3/17/2026 at 1:05 PM EDT, the Cardinals are scheduled to face the Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the broadcast is slated for NATS.

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