Max Scherzer loaded the bases in the first inning and needed 49 pitches just to get through two. Scherzer figured things out, retired 12 his last 13 batters and struck out nine in six innings to lead Washington past St. Louis 1-0.
Scherzer ended up allowing four hits and one walk and lowering his ERA to 1.80.
Alex Avila drove in the game’s lone run in the second off Carlos Martínez (0-4) with one of his two doubles — his first hits as a member of the Nationals.
Carlos Martínez allowed four hits in six innings in his longest outing since going seven on July 7, 2018.
The Cardinals loaded the bases in the eighth but could not score.
After a day off Thursday the Cardinals return home for the weekend to host the Reds beginning Friday, with St. Louis LHP Kwang Hyun Kim (0-0, 9.00 ERA) on the mound. 6:20 with the pregame and the first pitch at 7:15 on KIRX.
Cardinals: OF Tyler O’Neill (right groin) will play a full simulated game Thursday to give the team “a little more intel to make a decision” on whether to activate him, as expected, from the 10-day IL on Friday, Mike Shildt said.