Hello and welcome to another edition of 'Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball'. This Afternoon it is Chicago Cubs taking on Chicago White Sox. The Cubs won last night's edition of the 'Crosstown Classic' and now have their sights set on sweeping the series at Guaranteed Rate Field. For the White Sox, they hope to not get swept, before the All-Star Break.

The Cubs leading the N.L. Central by 0.5 game. While the White Sox are trailing Cleveland Indians by 7 game, for the final A.L. Wild Card and have 4 teams between them and the Tribe. 

This Afternoon's Starting Pitchers are a pair of righties. Kyle Hendricks goes for the Cubs, while Ivan Nova goes for the White Sox. Hendricks comes into This Afternoon's contest with a K/BB ratio of 4.65, while averaging 3.58. Meanwhile Nova comes in with a K/BB ratio of 2.68, while averaging 3.68. 

It is Chicago Cubs taking on Chicago White Sox, coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Chicago Cubs:
1. Kyle Schwarber, LF
2. Javier Baez, SS
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Willson Contreras, DH
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Victor Caratini, C
8. Robel Garcia, 2B
9. Albert Almora, Jr., CF 
SP: Kyle Hendricks

Chicago White Sox:
1. Leury Garcia, SS
2. Yoan Moncada, 3B
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. James McCann, C
5. Jon Jay, RF
6. Eloy Jimenez, LF
7. Yolmer Sanchez, 2B
8. Charlie Tilson, CF
9. Zack Collins, DH
​SP: Ivan Nova

Hello and welcome to the First 'Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball' on my personal website, for 2019. Tonight it is Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. Both teams are struggling. The Cubs are scoring, but are having pitching problems. The Braves were not able to weather the Bryce Harper storm in Philly.

Tonight's starting pitchers are right hander Kyle Hendricks, for the Cubs. While lefty Sean Newcomb, goes for the Braves. 

It is Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, coming up shortly.  

Starting Lineups:
Chicago Cubs (1-2):
1. Albert Almora, Jr. CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Javier Baez, SS
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. David Bote, 2B
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Kyle Hendricks, P 
9. Mark Zagunis, LF

Atlanta Braves (0-3):
1. Ender Inciarte, CF
2. Josh Donaldson, 3B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Ronald Acuna, Jr. LF
5. Nick Markakis, RF
6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
7. Brian McCann, C
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Sean Newcomb, P

Hello and welcome to another edition of ‘Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball’. This Afternoon, it is the Windy City Rivalry as the Chicago Cubs take on Chicago White Sox. The Cubs come into this afternoon’s game with a record of 90-64, while the White Sox are coming in with a record of 61-93. The two teams have split the first two games, with the White Sox winning Friday's game, while the Cubs won last night's game. 

The Cubs are trying to cut their magic number for the N.L. Central Division, as their magic number is 6 against the Brewers. They also have a magic number of 2 games, for clinching at least a wild card. 

As for the White Sox, they are hoping to play spoilers, against their inner-city rivals and they're hoping to win for their television play-by-play announcer, Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson. Hawk Harrelson will be announcing his last game on NBC Sports Chicago. 

This Afternoon's starting pitchers are Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs and left-hander Carlos Rodon for the White Sox. Hendricks comes in with a record of 12-11, 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 3.67 K/BB, and 3.78 P/PA). While Rodon comes in with a record of 6-6, 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 1.67 K/BB, and 3.81 P/PA. 

It is Chicago Cubs taking on Chicago White Sox, coming up shortly.

Game Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois 

Cubs are in their alternate blue jerseys.  While the White Sox are in their 1983 jerseys. 

Starting Lineups:
Chicago Cubs (90-64):
1. Daniel Murphy, DH
2. Ben Zobrist, 2B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Albert Almora, Jr. CF
6. David Bote, 3B
7. Willson Contreras, C
8. Kyle Schwarber, LF
9. Ian Happ, RF
SP: Kyle Hendricks (RHP) (12-11, 3.58 ERA, 1.17 WHIP)

Chicago White Sox (61-93):
1. Yoan Moncada, 2B
2. Yollmer Sanchez, 3B
3. Daniel Palka, RF
4. Matt Davidson, 1B
5. Omar Narvaez, DH
6. Wellington Castillo, C
7. Leury Garcia, LF
8. Tim Anderson, SS
9. Adam Engel, CF
SP: Carlos Rodon (LHP) (6-6, 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP)

Top of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Murphy
2. Zobrist
3. Baez
Carlos Rodon now starting as White Sox Pitcher.
​First Pitch around 1:10 p.m. CDT.
Murphy singles to center field. Runner on 1st.
Zobrist singles to right field. Murphy advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Baez strikes out swinging. 1 out.
RBI-DOUBLE: Anthony Rizzo hits an RBI-Double, scoring Daniel Murphy. CHC 1, CHW 0
Almora hits an RBI-Groundout to Sanchez. Zobrist scores. Rizzo advances 90 feet. CHC 2, CHW 0
RBI-SINGLE: Bote hits an infield single to Sanchez. Rizzo scores. Runner on 1st. CHC 3, CHW 0
Contreras pops out to Moncada. 3 outs.
Cubs strand a base runner. But score 3 runs.

Middle of 1st Inning:
CHC 3, CHW 0

Bottom of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Moncada
2. Sanchez
3. Palka
Kyle Hendricks starting as Cubs Pitcher.
Moncada lines out to Almora, Jr. 1 out.
Sanchez strikes out swinging. 2 outs.
MLB Scores:
Palka grounds out to Baez. 3 outs.
White Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 1st Inning.

End of 1st Inning:
CHC 3, CHW 0

Top of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
8. Schwarber
9. Happ
1. Murphy, 1-1
Rodon currently at 25 pitches.
NFL Scores:
HOME RUN: Kyle Schwarber hits a solo home run off Carlos Rodon. CHC 4, CHW 0
Happ grounds out to Anderson. 1 out.
Murphy singles to left center field. Runner on 1st.
Zobrist singles to center field. Murphy advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Baez flies out to Palka. 1 out.
Rizzo strikes out swinging. 2 outs.
Cubs strand a pair of base runners. However they get a solo home run by Schwarber.

Middle of 2nd Inning:
CHC 4, CHW 0

Bottom of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
4. Davidson
5. Narvaez
6. Castillo
Hendricks currently at 14 pitches.
Davidson flies out to Almora, Jr. The ball stayed in the ballpark. And Hawk gives a 'Dang Gummit'! reaction. 1 out.
Narvaez flies out to Almora, Jr. 2 outs.
Castillo hits an infield single to second base. Runner on 1st.
STOLEN BASE: Castillo steals 2nd base, while Garcia is at-bat. Runner on 2nd.
Garcia grounds out to Zobrist. 3 outs.
White Sox strand a base runner.

End of 2nd Inning:
CHC 4, CHW 0

Top of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
5. Almora, Jr., 0-1
6. Bote, 1-1
7. Contreras, 0-1
Rodon currently at 49 pitches.
PGA Championship Leaderboard:
Almora Jr. singles to left field. Runner on 1st.
Bote gets hit by a pitch. Almora, Jr. advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
WHITE SOX MOUND VISIT #1: MVR: CHC 6, CHW 5
Contreras strikes out swinging. 1 out.
Aaron  Bummer (LHP) warming up in White Sox Bullpen.
RBI-DOUBLE: Schwarber hits a RBI-Double scoring Almora. Bote advances to 3rd. Runners on 2nd & 3rd. CHC 5, CHW 0
PITCHING CHANGE: Aaron Bummer (LHP) replaces Carlos Rodon as White Sox Pitcher.
Happ hits an RBI-Fielder's Choice, scoring David Bote. 2 outs. Runner on 1st. CHC 6, CHW 0
STOLEN BASE: Happ steals 2nd base, while Daniel Murphy is at-bat. Runner on 2nd. 
Murphy grounds out to Sanchez. 3 outs.
Cubs strand a base runner. But score a couple of runs. 

Middle of 3rd Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 0

Bottom of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
8. Anderson
9. Engel
1. Moncada, 0-1
Hendricks currently at 34 pitches.
Anderson flies out to Almora, Jr. 1 out.
Engel grounds out to Zobrist. 2 outs.
Moncada flies out to Almora, Jr. 3 outs.
White Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 3rd Inning.

End of 3rd Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 0

Top of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Zobrist, 2-2
3. Baez, 0-2
4. Rizzo, 1-2
Bummer currently at 6 pitches.
MLB Scores:
Zobrist singles to right field. Runner on 1st.
Zobrist advances to 2nd base, while Baez is at-bat. Runner on 2nd. 
Baez gets called out on strikes. 1 out.
Rizzo grounds out to Moncada. Zobrist advances to 3rd. Runner on 3rd. 2 outs.
Almora, Jr. grounds out to Sanchez. 3 outs.
Cubs strand a base runner. 

Middle of 4th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 0

Bottom of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Sanchez, 0-1
3. Palka, 0-1
4. Davidson, 0-1
Hendricks currently at 48 pitches.
​Sanchez grounds out to Zobrist. 1 out.
Palka gets called out on strikes. 2 outs.
Davidson grounds out to Baez. 3 outs.
White Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 4th Inning.

End of 4th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 0

Top of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
6. Bote, 1-1
7. Contreras, 0-2
8. Schwarber, 2-2, HR, 2 RBI
NFL Scores:
PITCHING CHANGE: Ryan Burr (RHP) replaces Aaron Bummer as White Sox Pitcher.
Bote grounds out to Davidson. 1 out.
Contreras grounds out Sanchez. 2 outs.
Schwarber draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Happ strikes out swinging. 3 outs.
Cubs strand a base runner. 

Middle of 5th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 0

Bottom of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
5. Narvaez, 0-1
6. Castillo, 1-1
7. L. Garcia, 0-1
Hendricks currently at 57 pitches.
​Narvaez grounds out to Rizzo. Rizzo to Hendricks. 1 out.
Castillo doubles to left field. Runner on 1st.
L. Garcia flies out to Schwarber. 2 outs.
RBI-DOUBLE: Anderson hits an RBI-Double, scoring Castillo. CHC 6, CHW 1
Engel grounds out to Bote. 3 outs.
White Sox strand a base runner. But score a run. 

End of 5th Inning;
CHC 6, CHW 1

Top of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
1. Murphy, 2-3
2. Zobrist, 3-3
3. Baez, 0-3
PGA Championship Leaderboard:
Murphy flies out to L. Garcia. 1 out.
Zobrist grounds out to Moncada. 2 outs.
Baez doubles to left field. Runner on 2nd.
White Sox elect to intentionally pass Rizzo. Runner on 1st.
Almora, Jr. strikes out swinging. 3 outs.
Cubs strand a base runner.

Middle of 6th Inning;
CHC 6, CHW 1

Bottom of 6th Inning;
Due Up:
1. Moncada, 0-2
2. Sanchez, 0-2
3. Palka, 0-2
Hendricks currently at 68 pitches.
​Moncada grounds out to Zobrist. 1 out.
Jeanmar Gomez (RHP) warming up in White Sox Bullpen.
Sanchez gets called out on strikes. 2 outs.
Palka flies out to Happ. 3 outs.
White Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 6th Inning.

End of 6th Inning;
CHC 6, CHW 1

Top of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
6. Bote, 1-2
7. Contreras, 0-3
8. Schwarber, 2-2, HR, 2 RBI 
MLB Scores:
PITCHING CHANGE: Jeanmar Gomez (RHP) replaces Ryan Burr. 
Bote grounds out to Anderson. 1 out.
Contreras singles to center field. Runner on 1st.
Schwarber draws a base on balls. Contreras advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Happ draws a base on balls. Bases Loaded. 
WHITE SOX MOUND VISIT #2: MVR: CHC 6, CHW 4
Murphy strikes out swinging. 2 outs.
Zobrist grounds out to Gomez. 3 outs.
White Sox strand a bases loaded. 

Middle of 7th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 1

Bottom of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Davidson, 0-2
5. Narvaez, 0-2
6. Castillo, 2-2
Hendricks currently at 80 pitches.
DEFENSIVE SUBSTITUTION: Jason Heyward replaces Kyle Schwarber at right field.
DEFENSIVE SWITCH: Ian Happ moves from right field to left field. ​
Davidson grounds out to Bote. 1 out.
Narvaez gets called out on strikes. 2 outs.
Castillo flies out to Almora, Jr. 3 outs.
White Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 7th Inning. 

End of 7th Inning;
CHC 6, CHW 1

Top of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
3. Baez, 1-4
4. Rizzo, 1-3, RBI
5. Almora, Jr. 1-4, RBI
NFL Scores:
PITCHING CHANGE: Thyago Vieira (RHP) replaces Jeanmar Gomez as White Sox Pitcher.
Baez gets called out on strikes. 1 out.
Rizzo singles to left field. Runner on 1st.
Almora, Jr. singles to left field. Rizzo advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
WHITE SOX MOUND VISIT #3: MVR: CHC 6, CHW 3
Vieira commits a balk. Rizzo and Almora advance 90 feet. Runners on 2nd & 3rd.
Bote reaches on fielder's choice. Moncada throws out Rizzo at home. Moncada to Castillo. Almora advances to 3rd. Runners on 1st & 3rd. 2 outs.
Contreras gets called out on strikes.  3 outs.
Cubs strand a pair of base runners.

Middle of 8th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 1

Bottom of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
7. L. Garcia, 0-2
8. Anderson, 1-2
9. Engel, 0-2
​Hendricks currently at 97 pitches.
L. Garcia grounds out to Rizzo. Rizzo to Hendricks. 1 out.
Anderson singles to right field. Runner on 1st.
Jorge De La Rosa (LHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
Engel strikes out swinging. 2 outs.
PITCHING CHANGE: Jorge De La Rosa (LHP) replaces Kyle Hendricks. Runner on 1st. 2 outs. CHC 6, CHW 1
Moncada strikes out swinging. 3 outs.
White Sox strand a base runner.

End of 8th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 1

Top of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Heyward
9. Happ, 0-3
1. Murphy, 2-5
PGA Championship Leaderboard:
DEFENSIVE SUBSTITUTION: Ryan LaMarre replaces Leury Garcia at left field. 
Heyward grounds out to Anderson. 1 out.
Happ doubles to left field. Runner on 2nd.
Murphy flies out to LaMarre. 2 outs.
Rob Scahill (RHP) warming up in White Sox Bullpen.
Hawk just recalled the game, where Jose Quintana got thrown out of the game vs. Tampa Bay Rays, when Ben Zobrist was a member of the Rays. 
Zobrist grounds out to Moncada. 3 outs.
Cubs strand a runner on base.

Middle of 9th Inning:
CHC 6, CHW 1

Bottom of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Sanchez
3. Palka
4. Davidson
Sanchez grounds out to Zobrist. 1 out.
De La Rosa currently at 12 pitches.
Palka strikes out swinging. 2 outs.
Hawk is starting to cry, in thanking the White Sox Fans, before Matt Davidson begins his at-bat. 
The last couple of innings you were hearing some sniffing from a microphone. An emotional day for Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson. 
Davidson strikes out swinging. 3 outs.
The game is over.
And now the White Sox are tipping their hats off to Hawk Harrelson. And now the Cubs are tipping their hats off to the former Red Sox, Indians player, and White Sox GM, and announcer.

Final:
CHC 6, CHW 1
W: Hendricks (13-11)
​L: Rodon (6-7)
PoG: Hendricks (CHC) W, 7.2 IP, R, ER, 4 H, 5 K, 0 BB
ToG: 3:08

Final Thoughts:
The Cubs got off to a fast start, but 6 runs were more than enough for Kyle Hendricks. The Cubs are going to keep their 1.5 game lead, as the Brewers defeat the Pirates 13-6. The Cubs Magic Number remains at 5 games. 

As for the White Sox, the loss to the Cubs is on the back burner, as the White Sox Fans, and organization bids farewell to Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson, who called his last game for the White Sox. 

The Cubs will head back to Wrigley, to play the Pirates. While the White Sox will close out their home schedule against Indians. Tomorrow Night's ballgame on the South Side, will have Corey Kluber trying to go for his 20th win of 2018.

This is Paul Shishkoff, Jr. This has been 'Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball'. Thanks for visiting this page.
​

Hello and welcome to another edition of ‘Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball’. Tonight it is win or go home as the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals are set to play Game 5 of the National League Division Series. The Cubs have won the odd number games, while the Nationals have won the even number games.

This has been a series of momentum shifts. Game 2’s momentum shift occurred, when the Nationals hit 2 home runs in the Bottom of the 8th Inning, in their 6-3 win vs. Cubs. In Game 3, the momentum moves to the Cubs, when a couple of questionable pitching decisions by Dusty Baker, gave the Cubs a 2-1 win. Game 4’s momentum shift happened before the game began, where it was postponed on Tuesday. That gave Stephen Strasburg enough time to record the win, in Nationals 5-0 win over the Cubs.

Tonight’s starting pitchers are right-hander Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs, and left-hander Gio Gonzalez for the Nationals. Hendricks pitched 7 shutout innings, 2 hits, 6 strikeouts, and 3 walks in Game 1. Gio Gonzalez pitched 5 innings, 3 earned runs, off 3 hits, 6 strikeouts, and 2 walks, in Game 2.

It is the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, Game 5 of the National League Division Series. Coming up shortly.

Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

Starting Lineups:
Chicago Cubs (2-2):
1. Jon Jay LF
2. Kris Bryant 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo 1B
4. Willson Contreras C
5. Albert Almora Jr. CF
6. Addison Russell SS
7. Jason Heyward RF
8. Javier Baez 2B
9. Kyle Hendricks P
​SP: Kyle Hendricks (RHP) (7-5,3.03 ERA, 123 Ks)

Wsshington Nationals (2-2):
1. Trea Turner SS
2. Jayson Werth LF
3. Bryce Harper RF
4. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
5. Daniel Murphy 2B
6. Anthony Rendon 3B
7. Matt Wieters C
8. Michael A. Taylor CF
9. Gio Gonzalez P
SP: Gio Gonzalez (LHP) (15-9, 2.96 ERA, 188 Ks)
​
Top of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Jay 
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo
Gio Gonzalez now starting as Nationals Pitcher.
​First pitch at 8:08 p.m. EDT.
Jay doubles to right field. Runner on 2nd.
MANAGER'S CHALLENGE: Baker challenges the call that Jay is safe at second. Call stands.
Jay advances to third on a wild pitch by Gonzalez. Runner on 3rd.
Bryant strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Rizzo grounds out to Murphy. Jay scores. 2 Outs. CHC 1, WAS 0
Contreras draws a base on ball. Runner on 1st.
Almora singles to right field. Contreras advances to third. Runners on 1st & 3rd.
Russell draws a base on balls. Almora advances to second. Bases Loaded.
Heyward grounds out to Zimmerman, unassisted. 3 Outs.
Cubs left the bases loaded. 

Middle of 1st Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 0

Bottom of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Turner
2. Werth 
3. Rendon
Kyle Hendricks now starting as Cubs Pitcher.
​Turner singles to second base. Runner on 1st.
Turner steals second base. Runner on 2nd.
Werth lines out to Almora, Jr. Turner advances to third. 1 Out. Runner on 3rd.
Harper grounds into fielder's choice Baez throws out Turner at home. 2 Outs. Runner on 1st.
Zimmerman strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand Harper at first base. 

End of 1st Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 0

Top of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
8. Baez
9. Hendricks
1. Jay
Gonzalez currently at 29 pitches.
​Baez flies out to Harper. 1 Out.
Hendricks strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Jay gets called out on strikes. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 2nd Inning.

Middle of 2nd Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 0

Bottom of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
5. Murphy 
6. Rendon 
7. Wieters
Hendricks currently at 20 pitches.
HOME RUN: Daniel Murphy hits a solo home run off of Hendricks. CHC 1, WAS 1
​Rendon singles to right center field. Runner on 1st.
Wieters hits a bunt single down the third base line. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
HOME RUN: Michael A. Taylor hits a 3-run home run off of Kyle Hendricks. CHC 1, WAS 4
​Gonzalez strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Turner strikes out swinging. Contreras throws him at first. 2 Outs.
Werth doubles to right field. Runner on 2nd. 
Maddon elects to intentionally pass on Harper. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Brian Duensing (LHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
Zimmerman strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Nationals left runners on 1st & 2nd stranded.

End of 2nd Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 4

Top of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
2. Bryant 
3. Rizzo 
4. Contreras
Gonzalez currently at 45 pitches.
​Bryant double to left center field. Runner on 2nd.
Rizzo gets called out on strikes. 1 Out.
Contreras draws a base on balls. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Almora draws a base on balls. Bryant and Contreras move 90 feet. Bases Loaded.
Russell hits a RBI-Groundout to Turner. Bryant scores. CHC 2, WAS 4
Matt Albers (RHP) warming up in Nationals Bullpen.
Contreras scores on a wild pitch by Gonzalez. Almora advances to third. Runner on 3rd. CHC 3, WAS 4
Cubs strand a base runner on third. 

Middle of 3rd Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 4

Bottom of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
5. Murphy
6. Rendon
7. Wieters
Hendricks currently at 50 pitches.
​Murphy strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Rendon flies out to Almora. 2 Outs.
Wieters singles to right field. Runner on 1st.
Taylor flies out to Rizzo. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand a base runner.

End of 3rd Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 4

Top of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Baez
9. Hendricks?
1. Jay
PITCHING CHANGE: Matt Albers (RHP) replaces Gio Gonzalez as Nationals Pitcher.
​Baez grounds out to Turner. 1 Out.
Hendricks batting for himself. 
Hendricks grounds out to Turner. 2 Outs.
Max Scherzer (RHP) warming up in Nationals Bullpen.
​Jay pops out to Turner. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 4th Inning.

Middle of 4th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 4

Bottom of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Albers?
1. Turner
2. Werth
Hendricks currently at 66 pitches.
​​PINCH-HITTING: Victor Robles pinch-hitting for Matt Albers. 
Robles strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Turner strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Werth singles to left field Runner on 1st.
Harper singles to center field. Werth advances to second. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Zimmerman flies out to Jay. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand a pair of base runners. 

End of 4th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 4

Top of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo 
4. Contreras
PITCHING CHANGE: Max Scherzer (RHP) replaces Matt Albers as Nationals Pitcher.
​Bryant grounds out to Turner. 1 Out.
Rizzo lines out to Taylor. 2 Outs.
Contreras singles to shortstop. Runner on 1st. 
PINCH-HITTING: Ben Zobrist pinch-hitting for Albert Almora, Jr. 
Zobrist singles to left field. Contreras advances to second. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Russell hits a RBI-Double to left filed. Contreras and Zobrist score. Runner on 2nd. CHC 5, WAS 4
​Baker elects to intentionally pass on Heyward. Runner on 1st & 2nd.
Baez strikes out, but reaches second on a throwing error by Wieters. Russell scores. Heyward to third. CHC 6, WAS 4
PINCH-HITTING: Tommy La Stella pinch-hitting for Hendricks. 
La Stella reaches base on a catcher's interference. Bases Loaded.
Jay gets hit by a pitch. Heyward scores. Baez and La Stella advance 90 feet. Bases Loaded.
Bryant pops out to Turner. 3 Outs.
Cubs left the bases loaded. 

Middle of 5th Inning:
CHC 7, WAS 4

Bottom of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
5. Murphy 
6. Rendon
7. Wieters
DEFENSIVE SWITCHES: Jon Jay moves from left field to center field. Ben Zobrist remains in the game to play left field. 
PITCHING CHANGE: Brian Duensing (LHP) replaces Kyle Hendricks as Cubs Pitcher.
Murphy draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Rendon lines out to Jay. 1 Out.
Wieters strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
​PITCHING CHANGE: Pedro Strop (RHP) replaces Brian Duensing as Cubs Pitcher.
Taylor strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.

End of 5th Inning:
CHC 7, WAS 4

Top of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
3. Rizzo
4. Contreras
5. Zobrist
PITCHING CHANGE: Brandon Kintzler (RHP) replaces Max Scherzer as Nationals Pitcher.
​Rizzo grounds out to Kintzler. 1 Out.
Contreras grounds out to Turner. 2 Outs.
Zobrist draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Russell hits a RBI-Double to left field. Zobrist scores. CHC 8, WAS 4
Heyward flies out to Taylor. 3 Outs.
Cubs strand a base runner.

Middle of 6th Inning:
CHC 8, WAS 4

Bottom of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Kintzler?
1. Turner
2. Werth
PINCH-HITTING: Wilmer Difo pinch-hitting for Brandon Kintzler.
​Difo grounds out to Strop. 1 Out.
Turner grounds out to Bryant. 2 Outs.
Werth draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st. 
PITCHING CHANGE: Mike Montgomery (LHP) replaces Pedro Strop as Cubs Pitcher.
Harper doubles to right field. Werth advances to third. Runners on 2nd & 3rd.
Zimmerman draws a base on balls. Werth scores on the Ball-4, wild pitch by Montgomery. Harper advances to third. Runners on 1st & 3rd. CHC 8, WAS 5
Murphy doubles to left field. Harper scores. Zimmerman advances to third. Runners on 2nd & 3rd. CHC 8, WAS 6
​Maddon elects to intentionally pass on Anthony Rendon. Murphy advances to 2nd. Bases Loaded.
Wieters flies out to Heyward. 3 Outs.
Nationals left the bases loaded. 

End of 6th Inning:
CHC 8, WAS 6

Top of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Baez
9. Montgomery?
1. Jay
PITCHING CHANGE: Sammy Solis (LHP) replaces Brandon Kintzler as Nationals Pitcher.
Baez bunts a ground out to Zimmerman, unassisted. 1 Out.
PINCH-HITTING: Kyle Schwarber pinch-hitting for Mike Montgomery.
Schwarber singles to right field. Runner on 1st.
​Jay singles to center field. Schwarber advances to third. Runners on 1st & 3rd.
DOUBLE-SWITCH: Jose Lobaton replaces Matt Wieters at catcher, batting 9th. Ryan Madson (RHP) replaces Sammy Solis as Nationals Pitcher. Batting 7th.
Bryant grounds into 5-4 fielder's choice. Bryant is safe at first. Schwarber scores. 2 Outs. Runner on 1st.
CHC 9, WAS 6
​Rizzo grounds out to Murphy. 3 Outs.
Cubs strand Bryant on base. 

Middle of 7th Inning:
CHC 9, WAS 6

Bottom of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Taylor
9. Lobaton 
1. Turner
PITCHING CHANGE: Carl Edwards, Jr. replaces Mike Montgomery as Cubs Pitcher.
​Taylor draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
PITCHING CHANGE: Jose Quintana (LHP) replaces Carl Edwards, Jr. as Cubs Pitcher.
Lobaton flies out to Heyward. 1 Out.
Turner singles to right field. Taylor advances to second. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Werth draws a base on balls. Taylor and Turner advance 90 feet. Bases Loaded.
Harper flies out to Jay. Taylor scores. 2 Outs. Runners on 1st & 2nd. CHC 9, WAS 7
​DOUBLE-SWITCH: Leonys Martin replaces Jon Jay, and batting 9th. Wade Davis (RHP) replaces Jose Quintana as Cubs Pitcher.
Zimmerman strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand a pair of baserunners. 

End of 7th Inning:
CHC 9, WAS 7

Top of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Contreras
5. Zobrist
6. Russell
​Contreras grounds out to Madson. 1 Out.
Zobrist grounds out to Zimmerman. 2 Outs.
Russell strikes out swinging. Lobaton throws out Russell to Zimmerman. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 8th Inning.

Middle of 8th Inning:
CHC 9, WAS 7

Bottom of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
5. Murphy 
6. Rendon 
7. Madson?
Davis currently at 8 pitches.
Murphy draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Rendon draws a base on balls. Murphy advances to second. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
PINCH-HITTING: Adam Lind pinch-hitting for Ryan Madson.
Lind grounds into 4-6-3 double play. Murphy advances to third. Rendon is out at second. 2 Outs. Runner on 3rd. 
Home Plate Umpire Lane get dinged up on ball pitched by Wade Davis.
Taylor singles to center field. Murphy scores. Runner on 1st. CHC 9, WAS 8
​Lobaton singles to center field. Taylor advances to second. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
The Cubs have not recorded a 1-2-3 inning so far in this game. 
MANAGER'S CHALLENGE: Maddon challenges call that Lobaton is safe at first on pickoff move. Call is overturned. Lobaton is out at first. Contreras throws his counterpart out at first. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand Taylor on third base. 

End of 8th Inning:
CHC 9, WAS 8

Top of 9th Inning:
Due Up;
7. Heyward 
8. Baez 
9. Martin
PITCHING CHANGE: Sean Doolittle (LHP) replaces Ryan Madson as Nationals Pitcher.
​Heyward strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Baez strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Martin lines out to Werth. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 9th Inning.

Middle of 9th Inning:
CHC 9, WAS 8

Bottom of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
1. Turner
2. Werth 
3. Harper
Davis currently at 27 pitches.
​Turner lines out to Martin. 1 Out.
Werth strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
And now it comes down to Wade Davis vs. Bryce Harper. 
Harper strikes out swinging. 3 Outs. 
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of the 9th Inning, to end the game and series.

Final:
CHC 9, WAS 8
Cubs win series 3-2
W: Duensing (1-0)
L; Scherzer (0-1)
SV: Davis (3)
PoG: Russell (CHC): 2/4, 2B, R, 4 RBI
ToG: 4:37

Final Thoughts: Well there is the old adage that the last three outs of the game are the hardest outs in baseball. But for Wade Davis and the Cubs, the last three outs of the game were the easiest to get in tonight's game. 

As for the Nationals, you wonder how many chances they will get to try win a playoff series. 

Cubs move on to the National League Division Series.  They will play the Los Angeles Dodgers, Game 1 starting on Saturday. This will be the Cubs' third consecutive trip to the NLCS. 

This is Paul Shishkoff, Jr. This has been 'Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball'. Thanks for visiting this page.