An 8-1 defeat features a paltry offense, shaky defense, ineffective starting pitching and a lack of focus. It all adds up to what you would expect.

Washington took Tuesday’s matchup over St. Louis, 8-2, to even up the series. The Nationals were on a four-game losing streak, so that was a much-needed win. The Cardinals are 2-2 in the past four games and 2-6 in the previous eight.

Preview the July 10 matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cardinals as Cardinals Lineup Could Get Significant Boost Vs. Nationals. The St. Louis Cardinals have been missing Nolan Arenado since July 4th.

Miles Mikolas pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, helping the Cardinals beat the Washington Nationals 8-1 in National League baseball Thursday night.

Preview the July 10 matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals with recent trends, how to watch, livestream info, and more.

Washington fired their manager and got out to an early 2-0 lead over St. Louis before allowing four unanswered runs. After the All-Star break, the Nationals could see that new management boost and see the second-half of the season as a new lease on a potentially lost year.

While the Cardinals trailed early vs. the Nationals on Wednesday at Busch Stadium, their offense's troubles vs. left-handed starters stalled a comeback.