The Washington Nationals offense, which had been shutout in back to back games, wasted no time getting going against Cardinals starter Mike Leake. Michael Taylor started the game by crushing a homer into the bullpen in right field and gave the Nats their first run in 22 innings and a 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals offense struck back quickly in the first against starter Stephen Strasburg. After Strasburg got him into an 0-2 hole, Matt Carpenter singled to right to lead off the inning. With one out, Matt Holliday crushed an RBI double off the right center field wall, scoring Carpenter, and tying the game at 1-1.