WASHINGTON, D.C. - MAY 9 - The Washington Nationals were defeated tonight by the St. Louis Cardinals in a blowout loss. Former National Erick Fedde took the bump and tossed his first career shutout against Washington, while Mitchell Parker and the bullpen continued to struggle for the home team.

Nationals starter Mitchell Parker (3–3) labored through four innings, surrendering four runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five. His early exit set the tone for a bullpen that couldn't stop the bleeding. Jackson Rutledge followed with three innings, allowing two runs on three hits. The eighth inning unraveled further when Lucas Sims (who was released from the roster postgame) gave up three runs without recording an out, issuing four walks in just two-thirds of an inning. Andrew Chafin closed the game with 1.1 innings, giving up one unearned run. In total, the Nationals' pitching staff allowed 10 runs on 11 hits and eight walks, failing to hold down a hot Cardinals offense.

Offensively, the Nationals were wrecked by Erick Fedde, who delivered a masterclass against his former team. Fedde tossed the first complete-game shutout of his career, allowing six hits, striking out eight, and walking none over 109 pitches. CJ Abrams did well as usual, going 3-for-4, while James Wood extended his on-base streak to 18 games with a ninth-inning single. However, the rest of the lineup struggled, with key hitters like Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Bell, and Dylan Crews going hitless. The Nationals were shutout for the third time so far in the season .

This defeat puts the Nationals at 17–22, and it upped their losing streak to three games. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have won six straight, climbing above .500 for the first time since early April. Fedde's performance not only proved his development since leaving the team but also underscored the Nationals' offensive struggles

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Looking ahead, the Nationals aim to rebound in the second game of the series on Saturday. Trevor Williams (2–3, 5.76 ERA) is slated to start for Washington, facing off against Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante (2–2, 4.75 ERA). The Nationals will need a strong performance from the struggling Williams and a jumpstart from the offense to get back on track. Sunday’s matchup will then wrap the series up in D.C.