WASHINGTON • The bullpen has an alibi.
Long before the bullpen took another bruising in the late innings, the Washington Nationals had already powered their way to a lead the Cardinals appeared incapable of overcoming. A mix of errors and errant pitches allowed the Nats to bash away for a 8-3 victory Tuesday night at Nationals Park.
One night after Bryce Harper tied a career high with four hits, the guy batting behind him for the Nationals, Daniel Murphy, outdid that. He tied career highs in hits (four) and RBIs (five). He settled for a double in the eighth inning when a triple would have give him the cycle.