Washington Nationals on the brink after Game 3 loss
By Ron Juckett
Another game of offensive sputtering has the Washington Nationals down two games to 1 in their NLDS. Here is what you should take away.
The Washington Nationals find themselves on the brink again following Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs in Game 4 of their National League Divisional Series.
Their next loss, if it comes before the Nats win two, ends the 2017 campaign for a team which stormed through the NL East schedule.
As with the other two games of this series, Washington could not string any offense together. In front of a raucous crowd at Wrigley Field, the team failed to turn a gem by Max Scherzer into a win.
The lessons to take away from this one are tough. With momentum coming off Saturday’s come from behind Game 2 win, the Nats fell flat again. The backs are now firmly planted on the ropes.
Despite the result, there is a chance to shelve these two losses and force a decisive Game 5 at Nationals Park on Thursday. If they can win Game 4, all bets are off heading into a do-or-die game for both teams.
We know you are disappointed, our social media feeds are a continuing ticker of angst and dread. Still, there is hope. The last Plinko chip, however, is in play. If you are nervous, imagine how the Nats feel.
There are things to parse from Monday’s loss. Some good, most not. There are no moral victories this time of year. Yet, there is a plan that can be cobbled together to even this series Tuesday or Wednesday if it rains.
Aside from the team stinking, here are three takeaways from a sad Game 3.