First pitch 8:15 p.m. ET
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
Both clubs sit fourth in their respective divisions and are playing out the final stretch of a non-contending season. The Cardinals hold a slight edge in overall record and home success (37-41), while the Nationals bring more offensive firepower (higher runs and home runs). This is the start of a three-game series and the fourth meeting of 2026.
Starting Pitchers
Nationals: RHP Cade Cavalli (12-5, 3.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 194 K in 164.2 IP across 31 starts). One of the Nationals’ brightest arms this year with strong strikeout numbers (10.6 K/9), solid control, and excellent recent form (very low ERA in his last several outings). He ranks among the NL leaders in strikeouts.
Cardinals: RHP Kyle Leahy (10-4, 3.33 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 128 K in 135.0 IP across 28 starts). Reliable mid-rotation presence with a solid ERA and decent strikeout rate (8.5 K/9). He has been effective in shorter recent outings and owns a winning record.
Cavalli holds the clearer edge in ERA, WHIP, and strikeout ability, giving Washington a pitching advantage on paper despite the road setting.
Current Player Rosters & Projected Lineups
Nationals key pieces: CJ Abrams (power/speed, ~30 HR, 96 RBI), James Wood, Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile, Keibert Ruiz, Abimelec Ortiz, Brady House, Nasim Nuñez, Jacob Young, and supporting depth. The lineup features solid athleticism and power potential.
Projected orders often lead with Abrams or Wood, feature power in the middle (Abrams/Wood/Crews), and mix speed and contact lower.
Cardinals key pieces: Alec Burleson (.284 AVG, strong RBI production), Jordan Walker (power), Masyn Winn, Nolan Gorman, Ivan Herrera/Leo Bernal (catching), JJ Wetherholt, Joshua Báez (day-to-day), Nathan Church, and others. Contact and gap power define the group.
Projected lineups commonly feature Wetherholt or Herrera near the top, Burleson and Walker in the heart of the order, and a mix of infield/outfield depth.
Injury Reports
Nationals:
DJ Herz (SP, 60-day IL), PJ Poulin (RP, 60-day IL), Orlando Ribalta (RP, 15-day IL, forearm), Connelly Early (SP, 60-day IL), Matt Waldron (60-day IL), Drew Millas (C, 60-day IL, finger), Mitchell Parker, Ken Waldichuk, and others. Core everyday players largely available.
Cardinals:
Joshua Báez (OF, day-to-day, side), Blaze Jordan (10-day IL, ankle), Everson Pereira (OF, 10-day IL, hand), Max Rajcic (60-day IL, elbow), Hunter Dobbins (15-day IL, forearm), and additional depth pieces. Main lineup mostly intact pending Báez’s status.
Weather Forecast (Busch Stadium)
Hot and mostly sunny with highs in the mid-90s°F (around 95–96°F). Heat index values potentially reaching 105–108°F. Northeast winds around 5 mph. Slight (20%) chance of afternoon/evening showers or thunderstorms. Partly cloudy overnight with lows in the mid-70s. Outdoor conditions will be warm and humid.
Recent Team Forms
Nationals: 4-6 in last 10 (.233 BA, 5.02 ERA); mixed results with offensive ups and downs.
Cardinals: 4-6 in last 10 (.236 BA, 4.10 ERA); similarly inconsistent but slightly better pitching of late.
Both teams enter with identical recent records. Cavalli’s presence elevates Washington’s chances in this matchup.
Series History
The teams have met three times earlier in 2026 (results mixed, with St. Louis taking some early-season games). This series marks the fourth through sixth meetings. Historical recent head-to-head has been competitive.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
CJ Abrams and James Wood (Nationals power/speed) vs. Kyle Leahy — potential for extra-base production against a solid but hittable right-hander.
Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker (Cardinals contact/power) vs. Cade Cavalli’s elite stuff and high-K repertoire — a tough test for St. Louis bats.
Overall speed game (Nationals lead in steals) vs. Cardinals’ home defense and pitching depth.
Bullpen and late-inning execution could decide a low-to-mid scoring contest given the quality of the starters.
Betting Trends
The market respects Cavalli enough to keep the road underdog competitive despite St. Louis’s home-field edge.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 7.5
St. Louis Cardinals – 113
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, September 17, 2026
