Cardinals Defeated Nationals in 5-3 Victory
St. Louis secured a win behind power hitting from Iván Herrera and Leo Bernal.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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The St. Louis Cardinals secured a 5-3 win against the Washington Nationals. The victory was fueled by two home runs from Iván Herrera and a solo home run by Leo Bernal.
Why it matters
The win represents a significant late-season effort for St. Louis as the team looks to close out its schedule. The performance highlights the depth of the Cardinals' roster as they prepare for upcoming road series.
Iván Herrera reached 18 home runs on the season, while Leo Bernal hit his fifth. Washington's Abrams added to his season total with 37 home runs and 99 RBIs, and Jake Irvin tallied eight strikeouts in the loss.
The players
Iván Herrera
He is a professional catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who has contributed significantly to the team's offensive output this season.
Leo Bernal
He is a player for the St. Louis Cardinals who hit his fifth home run of the season during the match against Washington.
Riley O'Brien
He is a relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who reached the milestone of 38 saves this season.
Quinn Mathews
He is a pitcher who provided seven innings of work for the St. Louis Cardinals in their victory over the Washington Nationals.
Jake Irvin
He is a pitcher for the Washington Nationals who struck out eight batters over 5 1/3 innings.
The details
The Cardinals broke the game open with three runs in the eighth inning, capped by Bernal's home run off Yovanny Cruz. Pitcher Quinn Mathews worked seven innings, while Luis Gastelum earned the win and Riley O'Brien secured his 38th save.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: St. Louis defeated Washington 5-3.
June 13: Iván Herrera previously recorded a two-home run game.
September 21, 2026: Cardinals begin a series in Pittsburgh.
Season Trajectory
This win impacts the late-season standings as the Cardinals look to solidify their position in the final weeks of the 2026 MLB regular season. The team now turns its attention to an upcoming series in Pittsburgh to continue its momentum.
Riley O'Brien's 38th save solidifies his role as a reliable late-inning option for fantasy managers and team strategy. The Cardinals' three-run eighth inning provides the necessary momentum as they prepare to transition into a new series on the road.
The takeaway
Late-season games often provide opportunities for younger players to make meaningful contributions to the team's final record. Consistent performances from the bullpen and depth players are essential for closing out the season on a high note.
What happens next
The St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to begin a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 21, 2026, where Andre Pallante is set to face Jared Jones.
Further reading
For more on the team's progress, visit the Baseball section.
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