NLDS Game 3, Nationals vs. Cardinals: Washington 1 game from elimination

The St. Louis Cardinals took it to the Washington Nationals in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, defeating the Nats, 8-0. Washington is now one loss from being eliminated from the 2012 postseason.

In the first home postseason game in Washington Nationals history -- and the first postseason baseball game in Washington, D.C. since 1933 -- the home team was unable to manufacture any runs. The Cardinals, on the other hand, scored early and often. Allen Craig hit an RBI double in the first to give the Cardinals the early lead, and a three-run homer by Pete Kozma in the second inning gave St. Louis a lead that the Nats would never challenge.

Washington had chances in the first and second inning, getting men in scoring position on both occasions, but were unable to knock anyone home. They managed to get seven hits on St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter, but couldn't get any when it really mattered.

The Cardinals added one run in the sixth, another in the seventh and two more in the eighth to secure their win. Carpenter got the win for St. Louis and Edwin Jackson picked up the loss for the Nationals.

The Nats turn to Ross Detwiler in a must-win Game 4 against Kyle Lohse and the St. Louis Cardinals at 4:07 p.m. ET on Thursday.