Repeat rupture gives Cardinals concern at closer after late-inning loss to Nationals

For the second time in as many days, closer Bud Norris tottered through an appearance and this time failed to secure a two-run lead in the ninth inning. Washington’s Bryce Harper hit a game-tying homer off Norris to vaporize the save, and in the 10th Harper’s sacrifice fly off lefty Chasen Shreve sent the Nationals to a 4-3 victory Monday at Nationals Park. In the span of 24 hours, Norris threw 47 pitches, allowed five runs, got four outs, blew a save, lost a game and left Shildt and the Cardinals with one glaring unknown to solve in the heat of a playoff race.