Milwaukee’s loss last night left Washington with a magic number of 1 for a home game in the NL Wild Card matchup. The Nationals’ win over the Cleveland Indians last night gave them six straight wins as they play out the final regular season series. What we do know? Max Scherzer is going to start on Tuesday against someone, and the Nats have two more against the Indians before we move on to the one-or-done matchup... Go read your links:
NATS BEAT:
Scherzer gets nod:
Scherzer officially Nats' pick for NL WC Game - (MLB.com)
"For Martinez, the decision to start Scherzer was easy, even though the Nationals found themselves in a bit of a quandary considering their multiple enticing options to pitch Tuesday’s win-or-go-home game..."
Nationals name Max Scherzer NL wild-card game starter - The Washington Post
“'I’ll just come out and tell you because Max pretty much spilled the beans today when he went on the radio,' Martinez said before the matchup vs. the Cleveland Indians."
Scherzer will start wild card game, Strasburg and Corbin in 'pen - (MASN)
“'I can’t exactly say what he said to me, but he was excited,' Martinez said with a laugh. 'He’s ready.'"
With a chance to start in the wild-card game will Max Scherzer deliver? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Travis Thomas and Chase Hughes analyze Max Scherzer's opportunity to start in the Nationals wild-card game."
Nationals eliminate Indians:
Nats crush the ball and Tribe's playoff hopes - (MLB.com)
"There has been no post-clinch lull for the Nationals after they secured their spot in the postseason earlier this week."
Nats eliminate Indians, keep charging to the wire - (WaPost)
"The Nationals snuffed out the Phillies’ season three days ago and claimed another Friday night by clubbing their way to an 8-2 victory."
Nationals keep rolling at home, win sixth straight (updated) - (MASN)
"If they win Saturday, they are guaranteed to host Tuesday night’s game. If they don’t, the Brewers still must win straight through Sunday’s regular season finale to even have a chance."
Notable milestones some #Nats are chasing with three games left in the season:
— Matt Weyrich (@MattWeyrichFBB) September 27, 2019
-Dozier, 20 2Bs/50 RBIs (has 19/48)
-Eaton, 50 RBIs (48)
-Turner, 20 HRs/.300 BA (18/.297)
-Robles, 30 SB (27)
-Doolittle, 30 saves (29)
-Corbin, 200 IP (197.2)
Suzuki’s return + Zim’s future?:
Ryan Zimmerman is at the end of his deal, and it’s hard to imagine the Nats without him - (WaPost)
"Given what’s afoot, there’s not much time to be wistful. Ryan Zimmerman’s favorite memories in a Nationals uniform?"
ZIM
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 28, 2019
Z-Man
Mr. #WALKOFF
Mr. National
No matter what you call him, help us wish Ryan Zimmerman a happy birthday!@budweiserusa // #ThisBudsFor11 pic.twitter.com/5NBclm9bRv
Kurt Suzuki catches, Howie Kendrick plays second, Gerardo Parra breaks out - (MASN)
"Suzuki, who has been battling a bad elbow, wound up playing all nine innings, which wasn’t necessarily the plan going in."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Maybe This Time It’s the Nationals’ Year - (Fangraphs)
"But the most enduring tradition of the Nationals’ brief history is what has happened after each time they’ve reached the playoffs: They lose, sometimes horribly, and always crushingly."
Maybe This Time It’s the Nationals’ Year https://t.co/gmqmSirNpI
— FanGraphs Baseball (@fangraphs) September 27, 2019
After big court decision in TV rights dispute, Orioles and Nationals disagree on how much MASN ordered to pay - (Baltimore Sun)
"Five weeks after the Washington Nationals earned a significant court victory over the Orioles regarding television broadcast rights fees, baseball’s bickering neighbors can’t even agree on how much money the judge intended the Washington team to receive."
Crew can't gain on Cards, falls 2 back of Nats - (MLB.com)
"The Brewers entered their final regular-season series knowing they needed to win and get some help. Now they need even more help, and they have a new injury to worry about."