ST. LOUIS, Missouri – It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. In a performance that was the “Cardinal Way,” the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Washington Nationals 8–1 on the night of July 11, showcasing their all-around strength on both offense and defense.
Under pressure from a string of underwhelming games, Miles Mikolas stood tall. He threw 5.2 innings without a hit, allowed just two hits, had six strikeouts and proved he’s still a reliable mainstay.
“I knew I had to make amends, and today I did just that,” Mikolas said after the game, his eyes shining in the press room.
The game became unstoppable in the sixth inning. With consecutive hits from Willson Contreras (home run), Alec Burleson (2 RBI), Masyn Winn (2 doubles, 1 RBI) and Brendan Donovan, the Cardinals scored 5 consecutive runs, making the audience at Busch Stadium explode.
Notably, Contreras not only “opened” with his 12th homer of the season, but also inspired the whole team to storm like a storm.
On the other side, the Washington Nationals continued to perform a disjointed game. Although Mike Soroka had a stable start, their defense was in disarray in the sixth inning. Missed catches and lack of connection between positions caused them to be caught in a spiral of defeat.
“We didn’t do the simple things,” admitted interim coach Miguel Cairo. “When you make basic mistakes, the outcome is clear.”
Cardinals Fans: “We’ve Been Waiting for This”
The fans at Busch Stadium were clapping their hands. After a string of inconsistent games, the win was a morale booster, especially as the Cardinals battle it out in the NL Central standings.
The St. Louis Cardinals have proven they’re not going to be easily eliminated. With resurgent pitching, a flourishing offensive and a strong team spirit, they’re back on track – and stronger than ever.
“We know what we’re capable of – and we showed it tonight.” – Willson Contreras