🔥 QUICK RECAP
Nationals Win 3-1 vs. St. Louis Cardinals
📍 CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, March 11th, 2026
⭐ Player of the Game: Cade Cavalli(3IP, 0H, 2K)
⚡ Turning Point: Nationals score two in the bottom of the eighth to take a two-run lead.
📊 Record: 10-4-3 | Streak: 4 Wins
How Did Tonight's Game Play Out?
West Palm Beach, Florida — March 11th, 2026 — The Washington Nationals take down Cardinals 3-1 in a pitcher’s duel started by Cade Cavalli.
The Nationals’ offense slowly chipped away at the Cardinals’ pitching staff throughout today’s game. Through seven innings, the Nats had just one run on the scoreboard. The pitching staff carried the Nats through today’s game. Cade Cavalli and Brad Lord combined to pitch six innings, holding the Cardinals to just one run. The Nats rallied for two runs in the eighth inning to take the lead and didn’t look back.
How Did the Nationals Score Their Runs?
The Nats got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning courtesy of a Daylen Lile double. Nasim Nunez walked to lead off the game and stole second base to reach scoring position. Lile doubled to right field to allow Nunez to score. It took until the eighth inning for the Nats to score another run.
Christian Franklin singled with one out in the inning and proceeded to steal second and third base. Abimelec Ortiz doubled to right field to score Franklin, and Trey Lipscomb singled to drive Ortiz in.
Which Hitters Had the Biggest Nights?
Nasim Nunez(1-2, BB)
Daylen Lile(2-3, RBI)
Andres Chaparro(1-3)
Jose Tena(1-3)
Abimelec Ortiz(1-1, 2B, RBI)
Trey Lipscomb(1-1, RBI)
Team RISP: 3-9
How Did the Pitching Staff Perform?
It was another stellar performance from the Nationals’ pitching staff. Opening Day starting pitcher Cade Cavalli tossed three no-hit innings with two strikeouts. The upside of Cavalli is tremendous, and it’ll be interesting to see how the 2026 season unfolds for him. Brad Lord followed Cavalli with three innings of his own and was productive, throwing just 38 pitches. Lord gave up three hits and one earned run. Cionel Perez, Gus Varland, and Orlando Ribalda pitched the final three innings to close the game out.
What Defensive Plays Changed the Game?
The Nats turned one double play in today’s game, but other than that, it was a quiet game on the defensive side of the ball. The pitching staff generated just four ground ball outs, not giving the infielders many opportunities.
What Was the Game's Turning Point?
Christian Franklin generated offense in the bottom of the eighth inning, stealing two bases after hitting a single. Abimelec Ortiz doubled to score Franklin, and Trey Lipscomb followed him with a single. Better late than never, the Nats’ offense showed up in the eighth inning to turn the momentum.
Who Was the Player of the Game?
Player of the Game: Cade Cavalli(3IP, 0H, 2K)
What Are the Key Stats and Milestones?
Nationals' record: 10-4-3
Team RISP: 3-9
Attendance: 2,749
What's Next for the Nationals?
Jake Irvin takes the mound tomorrow for the Nationals against the Houston Astros. Washington will be “travelling” to the other side of the dugout in CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches to take on the Astros at 6:05 PM. Mike Burrows will have the ball for Houston.