WASHINGTON • The only thing that proved more difficult to hold on to Monday night at Nationals Park than the ball for the home team was the lead for the visitors.
The Cardinals misplaced three leads and by the team the uneasy bullpen got involved Washington was in position to strike.
It got uglier from there.
With three hits from leadoff hitters Adam Eaton and a career-high four hits from Bryce Harper, the Nationals rallied thrice and feasted on the Cardinals' relievers for a 14-6 victory Monday night at Nationals Park. The Cardinals have lost four of their past five games, and the National League's best road team from a year ago brought a little of its home sickness with them.