The St. Louis Cardinals maintained their position in the chase for the playoffs with a 12-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, but left fielder Matt Holliday had to leave the game in the 6th inning after being hit in the elbow by a pitch by the Nationals' Christian Garcia. The Cardinals were already comfortably ahead 9-1 at the time of Holliday's injury. It was not immediately clear how severe the injury might be, or if Holliday will miss any games.
St. Louis jumped out to an early lead, scoring 5 runs in the first inning and 4 more in the second. Washington starter Edwin Jackson was pulled early in the second inning, having allowed 7 hits, walking 4, and giving up 9 runs. Jackson fell to 9-11 on the year. The Nationals never threatened to come back, managing only 4 hits the rest of the way.
The Cardinals are fighting for a playoff spot, sitting 3 games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers and 4 ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers entering Friday night's games. The win maintains St. Louis' position in the standings with only 5 games remaining, and brings their magic number to clinch a wildcard spot to 3.
Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright picked up the win, bringing him to 14-13 on the season.