Six-Run Eighth Inning Completes Washington Nationals Comeback

This time, the late game heroics were on the Washington Nationals' side. A six run eighth inning proved to be enough for Washington end the slide, taking a 9-6 win in game one against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.

Cionel Perez picked up the win after taking the mound in the ninth inning and allowing only a hit, but it would be Zack Littell to take the mound for his second appearance with the team where he posted six strikeouts and three walks while allowing one earned run in five innings. Yet Monday's win may have been highlighted by what could prove to be the end of James Wood's slump to open the 2026 season. After catching pressure for a lackluster start to the season, James Wood posted his first game without a strikeout after adding a pair of hits, including his home run in as many days, in three at bats.

It wasn't just offense, though, as Wood came down with a web gem in the top of the fourth inning after robbing a home run just over the right field wall to preserve the Nationals' early 2-0 lead. S P A C E J A M e S !!!!!!!!!?!!!!!! pic.

twitter. com/sgkbHddZGk — Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 6, 2026 Wood's infield single to open the order for Washington also proved to be critical after Daylen Lile's ground out eventually brought him home for the first run before a single by Nasim Nunez two at bats later brought it Luis Garcia Jr. to build that early 2-0 lead.