Game Preview
St. Louis and Washington are right back at it after a 7-6 extra-inning game on Monday, and this matchup has a very different feel with Miles Mikolas lined up for the Nationals. The Cardinals have taken two of the first three recent meetings listed here, but Washington’s lineup just showed real life with 10 hits and a few big swings. With both teams carrying shaky recent scoring trends and an 8.5 total on the board, this one sets up as a game where the starting pitcher may decide everything.
Game Information
| Date | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 |
| Time | 4:05 PM EST |
| Venue | Nationals Park |
Recent Matchup History
- April 7, 2026: St. Louis Cardinals 7 at Washington Nationals 6
- April 6, 2026: St. Louis Cardinals 6 at Washington Nationals 9
- July 10, 2025: Washington Nationals 1 at St. Louis Cardinals 8
- July 9, 2025: Washington Nationals 8 at St. Louis Cardinals 2
- July 8, 2025: Washington Nationals 2 at St. Louis Cardinals 4
Why Washington Could Win
Washington could win if it turns this into another game where the Cardinals have to cover too many innings late. St. Louis has the more stressed bullpen in this spot with a team stress score of 17, while Washington sits at just 8, and every listed Nationals reliever is available in green status. The Nationals also got impact bats going Monday. James Wood went 2-for-4 with a home run, 3 runs, and 1 stolen base, Curtis Mead went 3-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBI, and CJ Abrams added 2 hits and 2 stolen bases. There is also a case built on recent scoring at home: Washington games have gone over in its last 5 home games, and the club is averaging 6.4 runs over its last 5 overall. If Mikolas gives them a few clean innings, the Nationals have enough speed and recent form to pressure this game.
Why St. Louis Could Win
St. Louis could win because the price still leans its way and the Cardinals have been the better team in this matchup over time. They are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings listed against Washington, and they just won a road game here on Monday despite allowing 10 hits. The Cardinals lineup also showed more depth in that win. Nolan Gorman went 3-for-4 with a walk, Jordan Walker hit a home run with 2 RBI, Masyn Winn scored 2 runs and drew 2 walks, and Thomas Saggese added 2 hits. There is also a strong batter-vs-pitcher note in the sample against Washington pitching: Alec Burleson is 2-for-2 with a walk, and Pedro Pagés is 1-for-1. Washington is just 1-4 in its last 5 home games, while St. Louis has averaged 6 runs over its last 3 away games. If the Cardinals get early traffic and force Mikolas into a lead, their path is clear.
Final Pick
St. Louis Cardinals ML (-125)
