Zimmerman's offensive outburst leads Nationals over Cardinals

Ryan Zimmerman was a one-man gang against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

The Washington Nationals first baseman was responsible for three of the four runs in his team's 4-3 victory over the Cardinals. He doubled and hit two solo home runs.

His second home run of the night was the 200th for the only franchise the 30-year-old has known in his major-league career.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Three of Zimmerman's knocks during the contest gave the Nationals the lead, a career first for the veteran. And the club needed him, after losing Bryce Harper to glute tightness in the fourth inning.

Zimmerman is hitting .288/.362/.661 with 33 RBIs in 35 games since returning from the disabled list, which is good news for a Nationals team trying to keep its playoff hopes alive.

After Wednesday's win, Washington sits 6 1/2 games back of the New York Mets in the National League East.