In a game marred by miscues, the Nationals displayed a series of critical errors that undermined their chances against the Cardinals. Fielding blunders, including a costly throwing error from the shortstop and a dropped catch in the outfield, allowed St. Louis to extend innings and capitalize on scoring opportunities. With such lapses, the Nationals’ pitching staff, despite some strong individual performances, found themselves under pressure, leading to a cascade of runs from the Cardinals that shaped the course of the game.

Offensively, the Nationals struggled significantly to mount any serious challenge against Miles Mikolas, who went the distance on the mound for the Cardinals. The team managed only a handful of hits, failing to produce with runners in scoring position. Key players underperformed, leading to a disheartening total of just one run on the board. The lack of cohesion and the inability to execute basic strategies at the plate left fans wondering about the team’s direction as they head deeper into the season.