Both teams are battling for playoff position, the St. Louis Cardinals have not clinched the second wild card spot in the National League but they should as they are three up over the next closest team. The Washington Nationals have clinched a playoff spot and have all but clinched the N.L. East, but as long as they don't lose out they will win the East.
The Cardinals have decided to start Adam Wainwright who is trying to climb above .500, as he is currently 13-13. He will be going up against Edwin Jackson who himself will be looking to get back to .500.
After having Thursday off, the Cardinals are setting up their optimal lineup, and the only change is having Carlos Beltran back in the lineup at right field and he will be batting sixth.
Cardinals lineup:
1. Jon Jay CF
2. Matt Carpenter 3B
3. Matt Holliday LF
4. Allen Craig 1B
5. Yadier Molina C
6. Carlos Beltran RF
7. Daniel Descalso 2B
8. Pete Kozma SS
9. Adam Wainwright P
Nationals lineup:
1. Jayson Werth RF
2. Bryce Harper CF
3. Ryan Zimmerman 3B
4. Adam LaRoche 1B
5. Michael Morse LF
6. Ian Desmond SS
7. Danny Espinosa 2B
8. Kurt Suzuki C
9. Edwin Jackson P