ST. LOUIS – In a game where every pitch and every hit counted, the St. Louis Cardinals showed the character of a team that is finding its form by defeating the Washington Nationals 4-2 at Busch Stadium.
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The game opened with a blistering second inning for the Cardinals, as Brendan Donovan hit a crucial double that started an impressive run for the home team. Accurate hitting and excellent opportunity taking advantage of opportunities helped the Cardinals take a 3-0 lead after just 2 innings.
It is impossible not to mention Lance Lynn, who delivered a solid performance on the mound. He pitched six innings, allowing just four hits and one run and recording six strikeouts, locking down the hot Nationals offense.
“I just focused on one pitch at a time. When they score early, it’s my job to protect that lead,” Lynn said after the game.
Although the Nationals tried to respond in the sixth with an RBI double from young prospect James Wood, the Cardinals were undeterred. The bullpen duo of JoJo Romero and Ryan Helsley put an end to any hopes of a comeback.
Helsley, with his 23rd save of the season, continued to prove why he has been the Cardinals’ most reliable stopper this season.
After a rough start to the season, the win was a clear statement that the Cardinals are no longer dangerous. They are tightening up their lineup, warming up their pitching staff and resuming their familiar identity: fighting to the end.