Washington Nationals: 3 keys to winning Game 5
By Ron Juckett
BUILD ON GAME 4
The Nats did more than survive Wednesday, they grabbed the momentum.
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What started as a day of confusion and distraction ended with a flight home for one more game. It does not matter how you got there, what matters is you did.
Trea Turner’s double broke the ice on a terrible series. If he reaches early Thursday night, it puts immediate pressure on the Cubs to contain him while focusing on the middle of this powerful line up. You know Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy are due for big hits. Turner setting the table with Werth grinding log at-bats help.
If any teammates questioned Strasburg’s dedication to the Nats before Game 4, those are long gone. All three starters have met or exceeded their expectations the first four games and there is no reason that cannot happen again. Remember, you have whoever does not get the start and Scherzer behind him.
Who starts Game 1 of the NLCS? Who cares. Still got to get there. All about tonight.
Those big innings of the series came against the Cubs bullpen. The sooner Washington can get them in the better. The Nats forced nine walks from Jake Arrieta and company Wednesday. Granted, it will be warmer and drier in DC, but taking pitches and crushing mistakes is how we got here.
Next: How the Nats forced Game 5
Believe in the same things that got you here. That earns a trip to Los Angeles.