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 an 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. The double did drive home Harper, who has been on base 10 times in two days against the Cardinals.
Lance Lynn got through the Nats order one time before the pinball game started.
For the third time in his career, he allowed three homers in a game, and they all came clustered around the fourth and fifth inning. Jayson Werth hit a solo home run to put the Nats ahead for good, and Matt Wieters followed with a solo home run that extended their lead. In the fifth inning, Murphy hastened Lynn's departure from the game with a two-run homer into the right-field seats. The second rout in as many nights was on.
The Cardinals have allowed 30 runs in their previous three games.
As of right now, 17 teams in baseball haven't scored 30 runs.
This season.
