Photo by Marlene Koenig for TalkNats
First pitch of this crucial game #5 is the finale of the NLDS between the Nationals and Cubs scheduled at 8:08 pm at Nationals Park. The stakes are high as this is a one-game win-or-go-home scenario for both teams.
The Cubs will start Kyle Hendricks and the Nationals have yet to publicly announced their starting pitcher. The Nationals have Gio Gonzalez available on regular rest as he last pitched on Saturday, and Tanner Roark who was scheduled to start yesterday is available on extra rest while Max Scherzer can pitch on short-rest.
Weather shouldn’t delay the game according to the Capital Weather Gang, but there could be some precipitation with temperatures hovering around 62ºF with a slight wind chill. Dress warm; dress in red; dress for success.
In stunning news, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that Metro will be extended by one hour tonight. Pepco’s parent company Exelon is rumored to be footing the bill for tonight’s Metro extension and that is much welcomed news even though many fans had already connected through our #NatsRide ride-sharing plan. The good news is there are alternatives and if the game goes late this should accommodate those who wish to travel via the subway.
Nationals players and coaches should be waking up soon and headed to the stadium where Dusty Baker and Mike Rizzo will put their final plan in motion for tonight in hopes of solving Kyle Hendricks which comes at a time where the Nats’ bats woke up a bit yesterday with Nats lead-off man Trea Turner reaching base 3 times, and the Nats worked 9 walks to go with their 5 hits while finally making the Cubs pay for an error and multiple walks.
In pre-game happenings, there will be the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachuting in (weather permitting) and Michael Morse and possibly Adam LaRoche throwing out ceremonial first pitches and a video playball message from Washington Senator’s great Frank Howard.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 8:08 pm EDT
TV: TBS, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® XM 89 Sirius 209 (Internet 869)
Game 5 #OnePursuit pic.twitter.com/gmhDNObUTt
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 12, 2017
