Nationals 8, Cardinals 1: Rookie Bryce Harper belted his third homer in two games and Edwin Jackson struck out 10 over eight solid innings against his former team as host Washington won the opener of a four-game set.

Jayson Werth led off the fifth inning with his fourth homer and scored three times. Jesus Flores had a two-run single and Harper added a two-out RBI single for the Nationals, who have won two in a row following a five-game losing skid. Washington increased its lead in the National League East to 5 1/2 games over idle Atlanta.

After being ejected during Wednesday's 8-4 triumph over Miami, Harper took his frustration out on Jaime Garcia (3-6) in the first inning. The 19-year-old sprinted around the bases after ripping a fastball over the right-field wall and into the bullpen for a two-run homer. The blast was his 15th of the season.

Harper added a two-out single in the sixth inning to stake the Nationals to a 6-0 lead.

Jackson (8-9) handcuffed the struggling St. Louis offense en route to snapping a modest two-game losing skid. Jackson, who fanned seven through three innings, posted his second double-digit strikeout effort of the season - and seventh of his career.

After being shut out for two straight games, the Cardinals finally broke through in the eighth inning as Bryan Anderson scored on third baseman Ryan Zimmerman's throwing error. St. Louis couldn't muster anything else and saw its lead for the second wild-card spot trimmed to a half-game over idle Pittsburgh.

Making his third start since returning from shoulder surgery, Garcia yielded six runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Washington manager Davey Johnson admitted that he spoke to Stephen Strasburg (15-6, 3.05 ERA) about the right-hander's innings limit following Wednesday's game versus Miami. According to Johnson, Strasburg is down to "probably ... two or three" starts. ... St. Louis C Yadier Molina returned to the lineup after being injured during a collision at home plate during Tuesday's game versus Pittsburgh. Molina went 0-for-2. ... Washington has won seven of its last nine meetings with St. Louis. ... Cardinals SS Rafael Furcal exited the game with an elbow injury. Furcal, who will have an MRI on Friday, was replaced by Daniel Descalso. ... St. Louis veteran OF Lance Berkman is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday.