Nationals Crush Cardinals 12-1 in Spring Training Beatdown

On March 6, 2025, the Washington Nationals delivered a commanding performance, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 12-1 in a spring training matchup at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. The Nationals’ offensive firepower and solid pitching overwhelmed the Cardinals, providing an early highlight in their Grapefruit League campaign. 
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The Nationals wasted no time asserting their dominance, with their bats erupting against a Cardinals pitching staff that struggled to find its footing. Catcher Keibert Ruiz was the standout star of the day, crushing two home runs and driving in three runs. Ruiz, who went 2-for-4 at the plate, showcased his power early and often, setting the tone for Washington’s relentless attack. His first homer added to an already growing lead, while his second further punctuated the Nationals’ dominance, delighting fans and signaling his potential impact for the upcoming season.

Not to be outdone, infielder Paul DeJong, now wearing a Nationals uniform after spending time with the Cardinals in previous seasons, made a significant statement against his former team. DeJong went 2-for-4, including a three-run home run that pushed the Nationals’ lead into double digits. His blast was a key moment in the game, contributing to a six-run inning that effectively put the contest out of reach. DeJong’s performance added a layer of irony for Cardinals fans, as the veteran infielder thrived in his new colors.

The offensive onslaught didn’t stop with Ruiz and DeJong. Infielder Nasim Nuñez also had a strong day, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, further bolstering Washington’s attack. The Nationals’ lineup collectively produced 12 runs on efficient hitting, capitalizing on Cardinals’ miscues and pitching struggles to build an insurmountable lead.

On the mound, Michael Soroka delivered a stellar performance for Washington. The right-hander pitched four innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out six and issuing no walks. Soroka’s command was evident as he kept Cardinals hitters off balance, surrendering only minimal damage despite St. Louis managing to scratch across a lone run. His outing provided a strong foundation for the Nationals’ victory, reinforcing optimism about his role in the rotation following an injury-plagued recent history.

For the Cardinals, the game was a stark contrast to the Nationals’ success. Right-hander Erick Fedde provided a bright spot, tossing three no-hit innings with two walks, offering some hope amid an otherwise dismal day. Catcher Willson Contreras also shone individually, going 2-for-3 and raising his spring batting average to .500, while making two notable defensive plays behind the plate. However, these efforts were overshadowed by broader team struggles.

The Cardinals’ pitching staff faltered significantly after Fedde’s exit. Relievers Cooper Graceffo and Sean Roby combined to allow six runs (four earned) on seven hits over their appearances, with five strikeouts unable to mitigate the damage. The Nationals capitalized on this weakness, particularly in a decisive six-run frame that blew the game open. Defensively, St. Louis was plagued by three errors—committed by shortstop Masyn Winn, infielder Jeremy Prieto, and pitcher Leonardo Mosqueda—further compounding their woes and contributing to the lopsided scoreline.

Offensively, the Cardinals managed just one run, unable to muster a sustained response against Washington’s pitching. The combination of defensive lapses, pitching struggles, and a quiet lineup left St. Louis overmatched, as reflected in the final 12-1 tally.

The game, played on March 6, 2025, underscored the Nationals’ potential as a team with both offensive depth and pitching promise, even in the early stages of spring training. For the Cardinals, it was a day to forget, with fans and observers on X noting the stark disparity between the teams’ performances. Washington’s emphatic victory served as a statement of intent, while St. Louis will look to regroup and address the deficiencies exposed in this matchup as the preseason continues.