The Washington Nationals enter this week’s series against the Cardinals looking to rebound from a frustrating sweep on opening weekend. Still searching for the team’s first home win, Blake Butera will send Zack Littell to the mound to face off against the St. Louis lineup.

The Washington Nationals got a strong start from Foster Griffin, who worked five innings and left with a 6-1 lead, but the game unraveled quickly once it turned over to the bullpen. PJ Poulin, Cionel Pérez, and Clayton Beeter combined to allow seven runs over the final four innings, with the biggest damage coming late as the Dodgers flipped the game with a multi-run rally. After holding Los Angeles largely in check early, Washington couldn’t stop the momentum once traffic started, ultimately giving up the lead and the game in an 8-6 loss.

Offensively, Washington did more than enough early to win, jumping out to a five-run cushion by the fourth inning. Luis García Jr. got things started with a two-run homer, and James Wood delivered the biggest swing of the day with a three-run shot that helped build the 6-1 lead. The Nationals tagged the Dodgers’ starter for six runs in five innings, but the offense stalled out late, failing to add insurance as the bullpen struggled behind them, turning what looked like a comfortable win into a missed opportunity.

On Deck…

The Nationals and Cardinals will continue this three-game series tomorrow night, as Cade Cavalli makes his first home start of the season against veteran Matthew Liberatore. For Season Plan Holders, the Left Field Gate will open at 5:15 P.M on Tuesday.

In the hole…

This week’s series will conclude on Wednesday afternoon, with 25 year-old Michael McGreevy facing off against 37 year-old Miles Mikolas at 4:05 P.M.