Game result and context
St. Louis Cardinals defeat Washington Nationals 5-3 in 2026 regular season matchup
The St. Louis Cardinals overcame a mid-game deficit to defeat the Washington Nationals 5-3, fueled by a late-inning rally and three total home runs.
Final result
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Washington Nationals 5-3 on September 20, 2026. The Cardinals improved their record to 76-80, while the Nationals fell to 73-83.
How the game changed
The Nationals took a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning when CJ Abrams hit a two-run home run. The score remained in favor of Washington until the bottom of the eighth inning. In that frame, the Cardinals surged ahead with three runs, highlighted by a solo home run from Iván Herrera and a two-run home run from Leo Bernal, which ultimately decided the game.
Key performances
Iván Herrera led the Cardinals' offense, finishing the game 2-for-4 with two home runs and two RBIs. Leo Bernal also contributed a home run and two RBIs. For the Nationals, CJ Abrams provided the team's only home run of the game. On the mound, Cardinals starter Quinn Mathews pitched 7.0 innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out three. Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin worked 5.1 innings, recording eight strikeouts while allowing two earned runs.
Season and playoff context
Following this game, the St. Louis Cardinals hold a 76-80 record and sit in fourth place in their division, 21.5 games back. They are currently ranked seventh in the wild-card standings, 10.0 games back, with their elimination number set to E. The Washington Nationals hold a 73-83 record, placing them fourth in their division, 19.0 games back. They are eighth in the wild-card race, 13.0 games back, with an elimination number of E.