The Chicago Cubs were not used to losing. They have only lost 19 games this year, and have only lost 2 games in a row three times this year. The Cubs have not been swept in a series this season. The Nationals were also used to winning except against the Cubs which changed last night as the Nats won behind great pitching by Max Scherzer.
The Nationals quieted many doubters last night. Let’s face it that you better show you can beat the Cubs, and unless things change drastically the high road in the playoffs will be going around Clark St., Waveland Ave. and Addison St. at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Gio Gonzalez needs to throw a gem tonight as great pitching beats great hitting. The Nats face a familiar foe in John Lackey of the Cubs.
Many are aware that Jonathan Papelbon was placed on the DL with a strain in his ribcage, and Dusty Baker believes it occurred during Papelbon’s warm-up on Sunday and admitted that the walk-off celebration probably did not help it.
Joe Maddon continues to walk bases loaded in front of Ryan Zimmerman. Maddon has now instructed his pitchers to do that for the 3rd time in 5 games. You can watch and listen to this video (h/t ASM) for the dismal results.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pGptPR5OUk
Here is your Nats stats against John Lackey:
Here is Gio Gonzalez’s stats against the Chicago Cubs:
Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
1st Pitch: 7:05pm EDT
TV: MASN, MLB Network, ABC7-Chicago, MLB.tv
Line-ups (subject to change without notice):
- Ben Revere CF
- Jayson Werth LF
- Bryce Harper RF
- Daniel Murphy 2B
- Ryan Zimmerman 1B
- Anthony Rendon 3B
- Danny Espinosa SS
- Jose Lobaton
- Gio Gonzalez LHP
