Washington Nationals: NLDS Game 4 a must win
The 2017 Washington Nationals season comes down to one game on the road. Here is what to watch for as the Nats try to force a Game 5.
The situation you dreaded all year has come to pass as the Washington Nationals face elimination Tuesday afternoon.
Down two games to one, the next win by the Chicago Cubs in the National League Divisional Series earns them a rematch versus the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. The Nats must win the next two or the season is done.
A complete lack of ability to produce runs is the reason Washington sits on the brink. With seven runs over three games and an anemic .121 batting average, the Nats are in serious trouble.
But, they are not dead yet. A win at gloomy Wrigley Field early Tuesday night sends this series back to Washington for a decisive Game 5. The pitching has kept the Nats within a shout. For all the offensive issues with DC, the Cubs have won two games by scoring a single run more. The series tally is eight for Chicago and seven for Washington.
Tanner Roark has the chance to right the ship in his home state. The Illinois native earns the burden of saving the Nats season. Former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta and his balky hamstring gets his lone start of the series for the Cubs.
Whatever happens, Tuesday will be full of angst and heartburn. After seven months of guaranteed tomorrows, this might be it. If there is a Game 5, the Nats must forget their playoff past and produce. Here are the three stories to watch as Washington fights survival.
THIS IS GAME 5
Unless your name is Max Scherzer, you are available to pitch out of the Washington bullpen.
The leash on Roark is shorter than a puppy visiting a dog park the first time. Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg join the rest of the crew as the Nats fight for another game.
For reasons only known to Dusty Baker and the coaching staff, we have yet to see the vaunted bench play a major role outside of Adam Lind’s leadoff hit in the eighth inning of Game 2. Another struggle fest by Trea Turner needs a quick hook. Today requires playing chess at a master level.
If Washington makes it to Los Angeles, then the trust system Baker loves can go back into place. Game 4 is about results. If a starter cannot do the job, find someone who can. West Palm Beach is a long ways away, but a loss means that is the next game.
You saw the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox use Justin Verlander and Chris Sale in Game 4 of their American League Divisional Series. If Joe Maddon thinks Kyle Hendricks or Jon Lester closes the door on Washington, then they will pitch.
Few in the game play virtual chess as well as Maddon. Wrapping this up at Wrigley is a priority for the Cubs.
WHERE DOES TAYLOR HIT
You can sum up this series by saying the most consistent hitter in the Nats lineup is batting eighth.
Michael Taylor is having himself a series. Everything hit is solid contact. His on-base percentage of .333 leads the team. Yet, he bats in front of the pitcher.
In desperate need of a spark for an offense with a team OBP of .200, Taylor must bat higher in the lineup. Twice this year, he led off. Six times, he hit second. One of those spots is where he needs to be in the lineup.
Because Turner cannot reach base, there is no pressure on the Cubs pitchers to face Bryce Harper and the rest of the lineup. Solo home runs sting, but rarely prove fatal. As a unit Chicago’s WHIP over three games is a stunning 0.692. Numbers making Sandy Koufax and Greg Maddux envious.
Although luck plays a role in every game, Washington has not done a decent job creating any. With everything on the table, Baker cannot waste Taylor in the eight-hole. The Nats must pressure Chicago to win.
Taylor’s exceptional range in centerfield has saved runs. He took responsibility for not diving on Anthony Rizzo’s game-winning bloop Monday, but Taylor’s ability to track down balls in all fields keeps this series close.
FORGET THE PAST
The ghost of Drew Storen and 18 Giant innings floats in the back of every fan and Nats player’s head. It has too when you consider how a loose team in the regular season plays tighter than a pickle jar lid in the playoffs.
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Pop that jar open and create new history.
Fear and doubt are crippling effects, but Washington has a chance to write their own destiny. Tuesday is only about Tuesday. Get an early run, ride those pitchers and get this series back home. Comebacks are possible.
After being embarrassed at Fenway Park 19-8 in Game 3 of their ALCS, the 2004 Boston Red Sox fought off a three-game hole to win. In 2011, the San Francisco Giants lost the first two games of their NLDS at home before sweeping the Cincinnati Reds. No one needs to explain the tortured history of the Chicago Cubs.
Although this NLDS feels like a giant blowout, the margin is razor-thin. Whatever has not bounced Washington’s way so far is water under the bridge. No one can change the past. Not 2012 or Monday.
Next: Nats on the brink after Game 3
If the Nats score first, they are in great shape. They must take this game to Chicago and make the Cubs earn a tough one. Remember, Washington won the regular season series against every NL playoff team. For our sake, let’s hope the team remembers too.