) Yovanny Cruz gave up the pivotal 2-run homer to Leo Bernal that gave the Cardinals the 5-3 lead in the bottom of the 8th. Cruz's ERA is up to 5.27 in 15 appearances this season.
) What will Paul Toboni do differently when building next season's bullpen?
) Jake Irvin had a solid outing as he struck out eight Cardinals in just over five innings of work. Irvin might have one more start left in his season before a winter of uncertainty awaits him.
) CJ Abrams slugged his 31st homer of the season on Sunday and he now leads the team in that category. Abrams played 2B twice over the weekend series.
) James Wood struck out twice in the loss and he has not homered since July 26th.
) DJ Herz will start on Monday night in Detroit. Herz has not made a major league start since September 2024 as he has been recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Nats fumbled an 8th inning lead and lost 5-3 on Sunday afternoon in St. Louis. Al & Tim cite the familiar bullpen refrain as they extended their MLB record for most blown saves in a season to 42 occurrences. ((((((
