As the series shifts to Wrigley Field, here are five storylines for Game 3 of the NLDS between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs
The Washington Nationals were able to get a split of the first two games of the series against the Chicago Cubs thanks to late home runs from Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman. Due to those home runs, the momentum might’ve take a turn in the Nats favor. But, the series shifts to Wrigley Field now.
This season, the Cubs won 48 games at home, which was the third most of any team in the National League. With that being said, the Nats won two out of three games at Wrigley in August and their 50 road wins were the most in the NL and the second most in baseball (Astros won 53).
In their prior three postseason runs, the Nats have won their only two road Game 3’s and that includes last year’s win at Dodger Stadium. Plus, they have their ace on the mound in Max Scherzer as he makes his return from his hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Jose Quintana will take the ball for the Cubs. Quintana was traded from the White Sox to the Cubs in July and that trade sparked the Cubs to a strong second half and an eventual National League Central division title. But, this will be his postseason debut, so it is an unknown as to how we will do.
In Game 2, we saw a combined four home runs after zero in Game 1. Since this is an afternoon game at Wrigley, the wind is going to play a big factor in this game, especially if it is blowing out.
Before Game 3 starts this afternoon (4:08 p.m ET, TBS), here are our five storylines for today’s game. Our first storyline has to involve the pitcher that all the spotlight will be on tomorrow nationally.