Washington Nationals: 3 keys to winning Game 5
By Ron Juckett
RELAX
Yes, really.
We know this is a bullpen game and the Cubs pen is human. You know whether it is Gio Gonzalez or Tanner Roark, and you will know by the time you read this, that five innings and three runs are numbers you run with. This offense averages 6.6 in regular season wins. As long as the game is close when Max Scherzer warms, the Nats have a chance.
It is easy to get uptight. Fans the first two games at Nats Park got quieter as the zeros raced on the scoreboard. The lack of energy rubbed off on the players and a vicious circle began. Get loud tonight, folks. No booing Jayson Werth.
After Wednesday’s 5-0 win, Washington has the lead in runs scored, 12-7. Lost in the Strasburg distraction and the Nats bad offense is the Cubs bats are in deep freeze too. Going into Game 4, Chicago hit .179 over the first three games. Wednesday, they were three hit.
Honestly, the numbers and momentum tilt toward Washington. The Nats must grab the win, but it is there for the taking. An early run helps a ton, but the team making less mistakes moves on.