Fans Flock to MLB Spring Training Ahead of Regular Season

Nationals defeat Cardinals 6-2 in spring training matchup at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The 2026 MLB Spring Training season is underway, and fans packed Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Florida to catch the Washington Nationals take on the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead thanks to a solo home run from 25-year-old Nathan Church, but the Nationals rallied back with six unanswered runs to win the exhibition game 6-2.

Why it matters

Spring training games provide fans an early glimpse of their favorite teams and players as they prepare for the upcoming MLB regular season. These exhibition matchups allow teams to evaluate talent, try out new strategies, and build chemistry ahead of the high-stakes games that count in the standings.

The details

Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore struck out three batters early, but the Nationals offense came alive in the second inning. Trey Lipscomb drove in the tying run with an RBI double, sparking a five-run rally that gave Washington a lead they would not relinquish. The Nationals' pitching staff was able to hold the Cardinals in check for the remainder of the game.

  • The 2026 MLB Spring Training season officially began in mid-February 2026.
  • The exhibition game between the Nationals and Cardinals took place on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Matthew Liberatore

A left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who started the spring training game against the Nationals.

Nathan Church

A 25-year-old outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Trey Lipscomb

A player for the Washington Nationals who hit an RBI double to tie the game in the second inning, sparking a five-run rally for his team.

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What’s next

Teams will continue playing exhibition games throughout the remainder of spring training, evaluating rosters and fine-tuning their strategies ahead of Opening Day in late March.

The takeaway

The excitement of the new MLB season is palpable as fans flock to spring training stadiums across Florida and Arizona to catch a preview of their teams. These early matchups offer a chance for players to shake off the rust and build momentum heading into the high-stakes regular season.