The Washington Nationals moved one step closer to clinching the NL East with a 6-4 victory in 10 innings over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night at Busch Stadium.
Washington scored four runs in the first inning thanks to a grand slam off the bat of Michael Morse. The play was under review for quite some time but was ultimately ruled a home run, giving the Nats a nice cushion.
However, the Cardinals would score three in the seventh on a Pete Kozma two-run double and Jon Jay RBI single. In the ninth, Drew Storen couldn't hold the lead as Jay connected on a game-tying sacrifice fly.
In extras, Washington would strike once more, as they scored two runs in the tenth to salt the game away on a clutch Kurt Suzuki double that drove in a pair.
Jordan Zimmermann received a no-decision after throwing six and one-thirds innings while allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks.
Kyle Lohse terrific after the first inning, pitching six frames and surrendering four runs on eight hits while striking out nine.
The win reduced Washington's magic number to win the division to one. The Nationals have a chance to clinch the division Sunday afternoon as Ross Detwiler starts against Lance Lynn.