ST. LOUIS -- The Nationals' bullpen helped define this seven-game road trip, in which blown saves and wasted leads contributed to the losing skid that has nearly buried their postseason hopes. That relief core was in the spotlight once again on Thursday night at Busch Stadium, tasked with navigating the final three innings after being handed a one-run lead by Tanner Roark and Bryce Harper, who collected three RBIs.
This time, they passed the test. Justin Miller threw a scoreless seventh and eighth and Koda Glover sealed the ninth inning as the Nats hung on for a 5-4 victory and avoided being swept by the Cardinals in this four-game set.