Cardinals, Nationals Open Series in Washington

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals, both looking to find consistency in the young season, open a three-game series Monday at Nationals Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with temperatures around 60 degrees.

The Cardinals (4-4) arrive after splitting a four-game set in Detroit, including an 11-6 loss Saturday in which Jordan Walker went 3 for 4 with a home run and five RBIs. St. Louis will send right-hander Andre Pallante (1-0) to the mound.

The Nationals (3-6) return home after dropping three of four to the Los Angeles Dodgers, including an 8-6 loss Sunday. Washington will counter with right-hander Zack Littell (0-1).

A player to watch for St. Louis is Walker. After a slow start, the outfielder is 7 for 16 (.438) with two homers and eight RBIs over his last four games. For Washington, Foster Griffin has been a bright spot in the rotation, allowing three earned runs over 10 innings in his two starts this season.

Despite Washington’s subpar record, Interstat’s game simulator projects a close 4-3 Nationals victory. Betting markets, however, list the Cardinals as a -1.5 run favorite, with an over/under of 8.5 runs.

The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday before both clubs embark on different paths. The Cardinals will host Boston and Cleveland for extended homestands, while the Nationals begin a 10-game road trip through Milwaukee and Pittsburgh on Friday.