St. Louis CardinalsOpen full analysisVSWashington NationalsOpen full analysis

The Washington Nationals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 9–6 on April 6 at Nationals Park, with the home team's offensive firepower proving decisive despite shaky pitching from both sides. Washington's lineup generated 12 hits and 3 home runs, driving in 9 runs while drawing 7 walks and posting an .809 OPS that outpaced St. Louis's anemic .658 mark. The Cardinals managed only 9 hits and struck out 8 times, with their .222 batting average reflecting early-season struggles at the plate. Washington's pitching staff allowed 9 hits and 6 earned runs across a 6.24 ERA outing, yet still prevailed by holding the visitors to just 6 runs despite issuing 7 walks. St. Louis's pitchers fared worse, surrendering all 9 Nationals runs on 12 hits while recording only 4 strikeouts. The Nationals' offensive depth and ability to capitalize in scoring situations offset their pitching vulnerabilities, suggesting their lineup depth could carry them through early inconsistency on the mound.