Cardinals Sweep Nationals for First Series Win Since 2021

Miles Mikolas delivered a strong pitching performance, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with just two hits allowed and six strikeouts to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. This marked Mikolas' first win since May 23 and his fourth scoreless start of the season, helping the Cardinals secure the season series against Washington for the first time since 2021. Offensive contributions included a home run from Willson Contreras, who also scored twice, and two RBIs from Alec Burleson, while Brendan Donovan added two hits, scored twice, and drove in a run. The Cardinals broke the game open with five runs in the sixth inning and extended their lead with Contreras' homer in the seventh. Nationals starter Michael Soroka allowed two runs over four innings but was outmatched as the Cardinals won the rubber game of the three-game series. Washington's only run came in the eighth inning on a fielder's choice groundout by Jacob Young.