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Washington Nationals: Three Takeaways From Wednesday’s Huge Win Over Cubs

By Matt Holleran

Jun 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 5-4 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 5-4 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits the game-winning single against the Chicago Cubs in the twelfth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits the game-winning single against the Chicago Cubs in the twelfth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Nationals Show Resilience Against Cubs ‘Pen 

Last season, clutch hitting was not something the Nationals excelled at. They have came up short in big situations too many times, and left many question marks about what could have been. Wednesday the Nats showed how much fight they have as a team, and how they are never out of a game.

After the Cubs took a 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth inning on an Anthony Rizzo two-run homer, things did not look great for the home team. Hector Rondon came into the game, having only blown one save on the season, looking to close out the Nats. Bryce Harper led off the inning with a fantastic at bat, working a walk to put the leadoff runner on base. After retiring the next two batters Wilson Ramos, as he as done all season long, came up huge lacing his game tying RBI single to left field making it 3-3.

When Ramos got this huge game tying hit, it is single loudest moment I can remember experiencing at Nationals Park. The sellout home crowd was going crazy and so was the Nationals dugout. You could sense the momentum swing and the Nats were right back in the game.

Once again the Nationals’ fight was put to the test in the 12th inning. After giving up the lead in the top half, the first batter Anthony Rendon struck out, and was ejected by home plate umpire Bob Davidson. The stadium turned from ecstatic Nats fan to chants of “Lets Go Cubbies” breaking out. The crowd got into it again as Danny Espinosa reached base on a hit by pitch and stole second. Michael Taylor came up and delivered probably his biggest hit as a National to date, roping and RBI single and tying the game yet again at 4-4.

Nationals Park was on its feet and Jayson Werth sent the fans home happy with a walk-off single to right field. Although it is still early on in the year, the Nationals have shown very impressive resilience as a club. They are never out of a game and always fight till the last out. Some of this may be attributed to there new manager, Dusty Baker, and his passion and competitive fire for the game. Whatever it is, the Nats are showing that when you play them, you have to battle until the final out.

Next: Nationals Make A Big Statement

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