A six-run eighth inning proved to be the difference for the Washington Nationals in game one against the St. Louis Cardinals
This time, the late game heroics were on the Washington Nationals' side.
A six run eighth inning proved to be enough for Washington end the slide, taking a 9-6 win in game one against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
Cionel Perez picked up the win after taking the mound in the ninth inning and allowing only a hit, but it would be Zack Littell to take the mound for his second appearance with the team where he posted six strikeouts and three walks while allowing one earned run in five innings.
Yet Monday's win may have been highlighted by what could prove to be the end of James Wood's slump to open the 2026 season. After catching pressure for a lackluster start to the season, James Wood posted his first game without a strikeout after adding a pair of hits, including his home run in as many days, in three at bats. It wasn't just offense, though, as Wood came down with a web gem in the top of the fourth inning after robbing a home run just over the right field wall to preserve the Nationals' early 2-0 lead.
Wood's infield single to open the order for Washington also proved to be critical after Daylen Lile's ground out eventually brought him home for the first run before a single by Nasim Nunez two at bats later brought it Luis Garcia Jr. to build that early 2-0 lead.
With Ken Waldichuk on the mound, St. Louis would get on the board first on a fielder's choice in the fifth inning before a two-run shot with no outs put the Nationals behind for the first time, but Jacob Young would be the hero in the bottom of the inning after his two-out double brought in Jose Tena. Yet the Cardinals made Waldichuk pay with him still surprisingly on the mound to open the eighth after a 378 foot home run put Washington behind, 4-3. Andre Granillo would take the mound in relief, but he couldn't get out of the jam as the deficit grew to 6-3 after giving up a pair of hits.
Yet the Nationals answered with a six run eighth inning as James Wood's time would come in the top of the frame after blasting a 409 foot home run into centerfield to tie the game, setting up Brady House for the go-ahead runs after his two-run home run two at bats later. CJ Abrams would then join in on the fun after knocking through a solo home run, his third of the season, with Washington ahead, 9-6.
Cionel Perez closed the game out in 21 pitches on four batters as the Nationals moved to 4-6 for the first home win of the season.