Six-run inning lifts Cardinals past Nationals

[April 30, 2019]  Marcell Ozuna had two hits, including a key two-run single in a six-run, fifth-inning rally, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the host Washington Nationals 6-3 on Monday.

Cardinals starter Michael Wacha (2-0) allowed three runs on four hits in five innings for the win after coming off the injured list earlier in the day. He missed one start due to a knee problem.

St. Louis reliever Giovanny Gallegos allowed no hits or runs in two innings. John Brebbia threw a scoreless eighth, getting Brian Dozier to pop out for the third out with the bases loaded. Jordan Hicks pitched a perfect ninth for St. Louis, collecting his ninth save.

The Cardinals have won nine of their past 11 games while Washington has lost seven of its past 10.

Washington's Patrick Corbin (2-1) had his worst start of the season, allowing six runs on six hits with four walks in five innings. It was his shortest outing in six games this year, and his ERA rose from 2.48 to 3.58.

The Cardinals, who trailed 3-0 through four innings, had six consecutive batters reach base during the decisive fifth.

Harrison Bader hit a solo homer, Matt Carpenter scored on a wild pitch and Ozuna had a two-run single to make it 4-3. Jose Martinez drove in a run with a double, and Yadier Molina had a run-scoring single to make it 6-3 off Corbin.

The hit by Molina extended his hitting streak of 16 games to tie his career high.

Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna (23), center fielder Harrison Bader (48) and right fielder Tyler O'Neill (41) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The turnaround came after Washington scored three runs in the second. Corbin drew a two-out walk with the bases loaded, and Adam Eaton followed with a single for a 3-0 advantage.

Before the game, the Cardinals optioned right-hander Ryan Helsley to Triple-A Memphis to clear a roster spot for Wacha (left knee patellar tendinitis).

Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon, who has a sore left elbow, did not play for the seventh time in eight games. He was hurt when getting hit by a pitch in Miami on April 20.

--Field Level Media

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