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The Cubs wore the right caps with their white unis on Saturday. Not much else went right for them though, as the Nationals made it two in a row in Chicago. Up next... it’s Stephen Strasburg for the Nats, back where he shook off sickness and dominated the Cubbies in a Game 4 performance to remember. Unfortunately we have no memory of what happened during Game 5 of the 2017 NLDS. Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Potent offense keeps Nats rolling in win - (MLB.com)
”From top to bottom, this Nationals lineup continues to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.”
Nats’ bats keep it up and new-look bullpen does its thing in win over Cubs - (WaPost)
”Once the Cubs drew close and starter Joe Ross exited after 4⅓ innings, Martinez had a puzzle to piece together.”
#Nationals explain Players' Weekend nicknames to @masnNationals' @AlexChappell https://t.co/0UxXAmlCK2
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) August 24, 2019
Nationals find new formula to beat Cubs again - (MASN)
”With his team jumping out to an early lead but Joe Ross departing after 4 1/3 innings, Martinez now had to piece together the rest of this game with the arms available to him.”
Elías moving closer to return after bullpen session (Nats up 5-2) - (MASN)
"Elías already threw what Martinez termed a 'simulated bullpen' Friday, in which he threw off the mound to a catcher that wasn’t squatting..."
With an intentional walk in the sixth inning today, #Nats Anthony Rendon drew his 50th free pass of the year.
— Matt Weyrich (@MattWeyrichFBB) August 24, 2019
He's the only player in the National League with at least 50 walks and fewer than 75 strikeouts this season.
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Nationals' Juan Soto is one of the best young hitters in MLB history - (Sporting News)
"Washington promoted Soto straight from Double-A, hoping his strong minor league numbers would translate to big league success - but not expecting instant production."
Rizzo (back tightness) TBD after early exit - (MLB.com)
"The Cubs know not to take any chances when first baseman Anthony Rizzo alerts the team that his back is flaring."
Ejection, injury plague Cubs in tough loss - (MLB.com)
"There were a few chaotic aspects to the Cubs' 7-2 loss at Wrigley Field, and it is only right to note that the Nationals' offensive dominance has hardly slowed for more than a week now..."
Joe Maddon could face his protege, Dave Martinez, in October: ‘We both know we have a job to do’ - (Chicago Tribune)
"One of the juicier possibilities involves them getting into the postseason as a National League wild-card team and playing the Nationals in a do-or-die game pitting manager Joe Maddon against his protege, Dave Martinez."
Bad call just one of Cubs’ issues in loss to Nationals - (Chicago Sun-Times)
"The Cubs were still upset about the call hours after plate umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Ian Happ."
Go to Google. Google Wizard of Oz. Click the ruby slippers. Then, when you're done spinning, click the cyclone. You're welcome.
— Pete Kerzel (@masnPete) August 24, 2019