Corbin helps his own cause to start rally (Nats fall 6-3)

The Nationals got after Cardinals right-hander Michael Wacha with three runs in the second inning. The rally was sparked by Wacha's counterpart, left-hander Patrick Corbin, who put together was of the most impressive at-bats of the season.

With one out, Matt Adams singled to right field. One batter later, Brian Dozier singled. Yan Gomes walked to load the bases.

Corbin battled back from an 0-2 count to get to a full count versus Wacha. He had to foul off four pitches to stay alive for nine offerings before inducing a bases-loaded walk to put his team ahead 1-0.

Adam Eaton added a two-run single to add to the lead. The Nats finished up with three runs on three hits with two walks in the rally.

On the mound, Corbin has not allowed a base hit and has struck out four with two walks in three frames.

Three innings completed, the Nats lead the Cardinals 3-0.

Update: Harrison Bader greeted Corbin with a solo homer one out into the top of the fourth to make it 3-1. Corbin then recorded two outs, but Matt Carpenter drew a walk, Paul Goldschmidt singled and Paul DeJong walked to load the bases. A wild pitch by Corbin scored Carpenter and Marcell Ozuna laced a two-run single to give the Cardinals their first lead at 4-3.

José Martínez doubled to give St. Louis a 5-3 advantage. Yadier Molina added a run-scoring single and the Cards led 6-3. St. Louis batted around. Jedd Gyorko made the first and last out of the six-run outburst.

Mid-fifth, the Cardinals lead the Nationals 6-3.

Update II: Corbin ended the night completing six innings, allowing six runs on six hits with four walks, one wild pitch and five strikeouts. It is the most runs he has allowed in six starts. He had previously not allowed more than three runs in his first six Nats outings. He threw 92 pitches, 52 for strikes.

Justin Miller threw two shutout innings in relief.

Wacha lasted five innings for the Cards, allowing three runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. He threw 101 pitches, 67 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Cards lead the Nats 6-3.

Update III: The Nats challenged Cardinals reliever John Brebbia by coaxing three walks to load the bases in the bottom of the eighth. Juan Soto, Adams and Carter Kieboom were walked. WIth two outs, Brian Dozier popped out to first base to end the threat.

Through eight frames, the Nats trail 6-3.

Update IV: In the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Hicks struck out Gomes, pinch-hitter Kurt Suzuki lined out to left field ane Eaton grounded out to short to end the game.

Final score: Cardinals 6, Nats 3.