09-05-2025
Cardinals at Nationals: How to Watch and What to Watch For
Coming off a series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates; the St. Louis Cardinals will head to the country's capital to take on the Washington Nationals for a three-game road set.
The Cardinals (19-19) are back to .500 for the first time since April 16 after winning five games in four days from Sunday to Wednesday.
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Cardinals' manager Oliver Marmol is expected to trot out Eric Fedde - who spent parts of six seasons in Washington - on the mound in Friday's series opener against the 17-21 Nationals.
The Cardinals are hoping to see the return of third baseman Nolan Arenado - who missed Wednesday's game due to back spasms.
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan connects for a single against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 26. Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Friday, May 9, 5:45 p.m. CT
How to watch/listen: Apple TV+ / KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM
Probable starters:
Cardinals: Eric Fedde (2-3, 4.78 ERA)
Nationals: Mitchell Parker (3-2, 3.38 ERA)
Saturday, May 10, 3:05 p.m. CT
How to watch/listen: Fanduel Sports Network Midwest / KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM
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Probable starters:
Cardinals: Andre Pallante (2-2, 4.75 ERA)
Nationals: Trevor Williams (2-3, 5.86 ERA)
Sunday, May 11, 12:35 p.m. CT
How to watch/listen: Fanduel Sports Network Midwest / KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM
Probable starters:
Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (1-2, 4.76 ERA)
Nationals: Mackenzie Gore (2-3, 3.33 ERA)
Storylines to keep an eye on:
1. Fedde returns to Nationals Park for the first time as an opponent
Fedde has a record of 9-19 in 54 appearances at Nationals Park - all as a member of the Nationals. After being drafted 18th overall in the 2014 MLB Draft, Fedde was with the team until he elected free agency in 2022. The 32-year-old right-hander is carrying a 6.48 ERA through his last three appearances and looking to bounce back in a familiar ballpark.
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2. Donovan looks to continue his tear at the plate
Donovan has been producing consistent success for the Cardinals at the dish through 36 games this season. The Wurzberg, Germany native is 46-for-139 (.331) so far this season with 20 runs scored and 19 RBI. He's carrying an eight-game hitting streak into the series and looking to push it to double digits.
3. Scott II continues to display aggressive baserunning
Scott's tremendous start to the season has garnered fanfare and attention, most recently due to his baserunning performance on Wednesday when he scored from first twice, both on singles. The 24-year-old center fielder already has 11 stolen bases in 34 games played - tied for sixth in the MLB. When he reaches first base, the Cardinals have a much higher chance of scoring a run.
Related: Back Spasms Sideline Cardinals' Arenado on Wednesday
Related: Cardinals Young Star Predicted to Fetch $100 Million-Plus
