ST. LOUIS -- Dexter Fowler thought he was done playing basketball, but he was thankful for his background with the sport after the Cardinals’ 5-1 win over the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon.

In the top of the eighth inning with Anthony Rendon and Howie Kendrick on first and second, Fowler leapt up on a high fly ball that Asdrubal Cabrera hit to right field. He timed the jump perfectly, and as he reached over the wall, the ball landed directly in his glove.

“I did hoop,” Fowler said. “Thought those days were over, but I guess Asdrubal threw me an alley oop.”

Rendon stood on second base and clapped, and the 37,669 fans in Busch Stadium rose to their feet to applaud the catch. Fowler hyped up the outfield as center fielder Harrison Bader ran over to give Fowler a high five.

Fowler’s jump -- sprawled across the wall with his hand outstretched over his head -- looked like the Brand Jordan image. Fitting, because Fowler is sponsored by Brand Jordan.

“Dexter earned his Air Jordans,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “That was a heck of a play. Those Air Jordans came into play for Dexter. Heck of a play. Big play.”

Not only was it a highlight-reel catch, but it came at a crucial part of the game. The Cardinals were up 5-1, and if Cabrera’s ball had eluded Fowler’s glove, the Cardinals would have held just a one-run lead in a pivotal game.

“Big play in the game,” Fowler said. “It kind of changes the momentum if the ball goes over the wall. Fortunately, I was there and could get it.”

Andrew Miller was pitching when Fowler caught the ball and thought he made a good pitch to Cabrera. He let out a sigh of relief when Fowler made the jump.

“Everybody here is looking to step up and help us win,” Miller said. “Those guys are prepared and ready, and nobody doubts Dexter’s ability -- certainly his ability to jump. If they did, I don’t think they do anymore.”