Cardinals Close Home Campaign Strong | Washington Nationals News

Corey (0:00)

It's September 18th. This is Washington Nationals News Today. AI-powered updates on your team. I'm Corey with the story. All right, so the St. Louis Cardinals are wrapping up their home schedule for the year. This Friday marks the start of their final series at Busch Stadium and they're hosting the Washington Nationals. It's the last chance for fans in St. Louis to catch their team on their home turf for 2026

The Cardinals are bringing out their top arms for this one.

We're talking Kyle Leahy, who's been lights out with a 3.33 earned run average, Michael McGreevy with a 3.83, ERA, and Quinn Mathews, who's been solid in his starts, only giving up more than two runs once. They're clearly aiming to finish strong against the Nats. Beyond just winning games, there are a couple of big storylines. Rookie JJ Wetherholt is still in the running for National League Rookie of the Year. He's got a tough challenge ahead, trying to catch up to Sal Stewart, but if he pulls it off, he'd be the first Cardinal to win it since Albert Pujols, way back in 2001

Plus, the team is fighting to finish the season with a winning record, meaning more wins than losses. That's always a good look, and it sets a positive tone heading into the next season. It's about pride and momentum as the year winds down. So while the home games are dwindling, there's still plenty to keep an eye on with this Cardinal squad as they close out their time at Busch Stadium for 2026