Cardinals Beat Nationals 4-2 Behind Donovan, Nootbaar Homers

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Washington Nationals 4-2 on Tuesday night in a game delayed by rain for 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Brendan Donovan homered in a three-run third inning, and Lars Nootbaar added a solo homer in the sixth to lead the Cardinals offense.

Sonny Gray earned the win for the Cardinals, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings. Steven Matz, Phil Maton, and JoJo Romero each pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Ryan Helsley closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning for his 18th save in 23 opportunities.

Jake Irvin took the loss for Washington, surrendering four runs on six hits and tying a season high with four walks over six innings. The loss was the Nationals' fourth straight, coming in Miguel Cairo’s debut as interim manager.

Nootbaar's solo home run, his 12th of the season, came in the seventh inning on a ball that just cleared the outstretched glove of right fielder Daylen Lile, giving St. Louis a 4-2 lead.

Earlier, Alec Burleson hit a double down the right field line in the third inning to score Masyn Winn and give the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.

Washington had initially taken a 2-0 lead in the third inning on an RBI single to right field by James Wood and a run driven in by Luis García Jr. on a fielder’s choice.

Key Moment

Donovan's eighth home run of the season came on the first pitch he saw, immediately tying the game at 2-all in the third inning after Victor Scott II hit a ground-rule double to lead off the frame.

Key Stat

Daylen Lile hit a single to right field, extending his hitting streak to 14 games. He is three games away from tying Ryan Zimmerman’s rookie franchise record 17-game streak set from June 24 through July 18, 2006.

Up Next

Nationals All-Star LHP MacKenzie Gore (3-8, 3.11 ERA) is scheduled to face Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (5-4, 4.10) in the next game.

In summary

The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Washington Nationals 4-2 on July 8, 2025, behind home runs from Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar. Sonny Gray pitched five winning innings, and Ryan Helsley recorded his 18th save. The game was delayed by rain for over two hours. Jake Irvin took the loss for the Nationals, who lost their fourth straight game. Nationals outfielder Daylen Lile extended his hitting streak to 14 games.

Related Links

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