# Cardinals edge Nationals with late homers

> Cardinals rally in eighth to beat Nationals 5-3
- Title: Cardinals edge Nationals with late homers · The Banner
- Summary: Cardinals rally in eighth to beat Nationals 5-3 Cardinals scored three runs in eighth inning after Nationals led 3-2
- Keywords: cardinals, nationals, ivan herrera, leo bernal, mlb, st louis, washington, home run, nfl, news, local, edge
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/nationals-mlb/nationals-cardinals-ivan-herrara-leo-bernal-home-runs-CGG52FHCAJBRBJ5T6NON2L2LFQ
- Author: Associated Press
- Published: 2026-09-20T21:09:03.86+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cardinals, nationals, ivan herrera, leo bernal, mlb, st louis, washington, home run, nfl, news, local
## Cardinals rally
Cardinals scored three runs in eighth inning after Nationals led 3-2

> Herrera hit his second homer of the game and 18th of the season to tie the game at 3 after hitting a solo shot in the first inning
## Herrera's double homer
Herrera hit two home runs, including a solo shot in first inning

> It was Herrera's third career multihomer game and second this season
## Bernal's fifth homer
Bernal hit fifth home run of season in eighth inning

> Bernal hit his fifth homer of the season off Yovanny Cruz
## Pitching duel
Cardinals starter allowed three runs in seven innings

> Cardinals starter Quinn Mathews allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in a career-high seven innings
## Nationals lead
Nationals led 3-2 after CJ Abrams hit 31st homer

> CJ Abrams hit his 31st homer of the season to right field to put Washington ahead 3-2
## Key takeaway

Cardinals scored three runs in eighth inning after Nationals led 3-2