Hello, and welcome to another edition of 'Live-Blogging on Shish on Baseball'. Tonight it is Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, between Washington Nationals and Houston Astros.

Series tied at 3-3. All 6 games have been won by the road team. This series has featured the five aces on the pitching staff. And tonight the finale of this World Series will have two former Cy Young Award winners.

Tonight's Starting Pitchers are a pair of righties. Max Scherzer for the Nationals and Zack Greinke for the Astros. Scherzer comes in with a K/BB ratio of 3.09, while averaging 4.17 P/PA. Meanwhile, Greinke comes in with a K/BB ratio of 2.75, while averaging 3.79 P/PA. 

It is Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, Game 7 of the 2019 World Series. Winner wins the Commissioner's Trophy. Coming up shortly. 

Starting Lineups:
Washington Nationals:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, RF
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. Howie Kendrick, DH
6. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
7. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
8. Yan Gomes, C
9. Victor Robles, CF
SP: Max Scherzer

Houston Astros:
1. George Springer, CF
2. Jose Altuve, 2B
3. Michael Brantley, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
6. Yordan Alvarez, DH
7. Carlos Correa, SS
8. Robinson Chirinos, C
9. Josh Reddick, RF
SP: Zack Greinke

Hello, and welcome to another edition of ‘Live-Blogging on Shish on Baseball’. Tonight it is Game 6 of the 2019 World Series, between Washington Nationals and Houston Astros.

This series has the road win all five games played. The Nationals won the first 2 games in Houston and the Astros won the three in D.C. The Astros need one win at home to win the World Series. But tonight they have to go through Stephen Strasburg, who beat the Astros in Game 2 Last Wednesday.

Strasburg went 6 IP, gave up the 2-run homer by Alex Bregman, but was good enough for the win. His counterpart tonight; was Game 2’s counterpart, Justin Verlander. Verlander didn’t have a good start. Although the got the Astros into the 7th Inning, he gave up 4 runs in the loss.

It is Washington Nationals taking on Houston Astros, coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Washington Nationals:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, RF
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. Howie Kendrick, DH
6. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
7. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
8. Victor Robles, CF
9. Yan Gomes, C
SP: Stephen Strasburg

Houston Astros:
1. George Springer, CF
2. Jose Altuve, 2B
3. Michael Brantley, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
6. Yordan Alvarez, DH
7. Carlos Correa, SS
8. Robinson Chirinos, C
9. Josh Reddick, RF
SP: Justin Verlander
​

Hello, and welcome to another edition of 'Live-Blogging on Shish on Baseball'. Tonight it is Game 5 of the 2019 World Series, between Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. The road team has won the first four games of this series. The momentum has shifted to the Astros and now they will not see Nationals Original Game 5 starter Max Scherzer. 

Scherzer is out of tonight's game, with some neck spasm. And they will turn to their bullpen.

Tonight's Starting Pitchers are a pair of right-handers. Gerrit Cole will go for the Astros and Joe Ross for the Nationals. Cole comes in with a K/BB ratio of 4.22, while averaging 3.90 P/PA. Meanwhile Ross  comes in with a K/BB ratio of 1.73, while averaging 3.86 P/PA. 

It is Houston Astros taking on Washington Nationals, Game 5 of the 2019 World Series, coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Houston Astros:
1. George Springer, CF
2. Jose Altuve, 2B
3. Michael Brantley, RF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
6. Yordan Alvarez, LF
7. Carlos Correa, SS
8. Martin Maldonado, C
9. Gerrit Cole, P

Washington Nationals:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, RF
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. Howie Kendrick, 2B
6. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
7. Victor Robles, CF
8. Yan Gomes, C
9. Joe Ross, P

Hello, and welcome to another edition of ‘Live-Blogging on Shish on Baseball’. Tonight, it is Game 3 of the 2019 World Series, between Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.

The Nationals have taken a 2-0 lead in the series, against Astros’ 1-2 punch of Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander. And now the Series shift to the Nation’s Capital, where they will now let the pitchers hit and the DH will be on the bench. Nationals will more than likely have Howie Kendrick play 2nd Base and Asdrubal Cabrera will be on the bench.

Meanwhile the Astros are not happy with being down 0-2, with Cole and Verlander pitching the first two games. The question for the Astros will be where will they play Yordan Alvarez in these next three game in D.C.

Tonight’s Starting Pitchers are a pair of righties. Zack Greinke for the Astros, while Anibal Sanchez for the Nationals. Greinke comes in with a K/BB ratio of 3.20, while averaging 3.66 P/PA. Meanwhile, Sanchez comes in with a K/BB ratio of 4.67, while averaging 3.96 P/PA.
​
It is Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. Game 3 of the 2019 World Series, coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Houston Astros:
1. George Springer, CF
2. Jose Altuve, 2B
3. Michael Brantley, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
6. Carlos Correa, SS
7. Josh Reddick, RF
8. Robinson Chirinos, C
9. Zack Greinke, P
​
Washington Nationals:
​1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, RF
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
​6. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
7. Kurt Suzuki, C
8. Victor Robles, CF
9. Anibal Sanchez, P

Hello, and welcome to another edition of ‘Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball’. Tonight, it is Game 1 of the 2019 World Series, as Washington Nationals take on Houston Astros. The Nationals have been a buzzsaw having defeated the Dodgers in 5 games, while the Astros have gone the limit against Rays and defeated the Yankees in 6 games.
This Series will have some marquee names as starting pitchers Strasburg, Corbin, Greinke, Verlander. But tonight, it will be Scherzer vs Cole in Game 1. Max Scherzer comes in with a K/BB ratio of 3.38, while averaging 3.96 P/PA, This Postseason. While Cole comes in with a K/BB ration of 4.00, while averaging 4.01 P/PA, in his 2019 Postseason.

It is Washington Nationals taking on Houston Astros. Game 1 of the 2019 World Series, coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Washington Nationals:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, RF
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. Howie Kendrick, DH
6. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
7. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
9. Victor Robles, CF
SP: Max Scherzer

Houston Astros:
1. George Springer, CF
2. Jose Altuve, 2B
3. Michael Brantley, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
6. Carlos Correa, SS
7. Yordan Alvarez, DH
8. Martin Maldonado, C
9. Josh Reddick, RF
​SP: Gerrit Cole

Hello and welcome to another edition of 'Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball'. Tonight it is Washington Nationals taking on Chicago White Sox. Both teams took 2 out of 3 games, in their weekend series. This is the first of a 2-game series. 

Tonight's Starting Pitchers are a pair of right-handers. Anibal Sanchez goes for the Nationals, while Odrisamer Despaigne goes for the White Sox. Sanchez comes in with a K/BB ratio of 2.04, while averaging 3.86 P/PA. For Despaigne, this will be his 2019 Debut, in Major League Baseball. 

It is Washington Nationals taking on Chicago White Sox, coming up shortly.
​
Starting Lineups:
Washington Nationals:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, RF
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. Howie Kendrick, DH
6. Matt Adams, 1B
7. Brian Dozier, 2B
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
9. Victor Robles, CF
SP: Anibal Sanchez (RHP)

Chicago White Sox:
​1. Leury Garcia, CF
2. Yoan Moncada, 3B
3. Jose Abreu, DH
​4. James McCann, C
5. Eloy Jimenez, LF
6. Yonder Alonso, 1B
7. Tim Anderson, SS
8. Yolmer Sanchez, 2B
​9. Charlie Tilson, RF
SP: Odrisamer Despaigne (RHP)

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.  

Hello and welcome to another edition of ‘Live Blogging on Shish on Baseball’. This Afternoon it is Game 2 of the NLDS between Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals.

The Cubs took Game 1, with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Nationals last night. Chicago plans to go back to Wrigley Field with 2-0 series lead. The Nationals are hoping that they can get some offense going in this afternoon’s game.

Tonight’s starting pitchers are a pair of lefties. Jon Lester for the Cubs and Gio Gonzalez for the Nationals. Lester comes into the Postseason with a record of 13-8, with a 4.33 ERA, and 180 Ks. Gio comes into this series with a record of 15-9, a 2.96 ERA, and 188 Ks.

It is the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Chicago Cubs (1-0):
1. Albert Almora Jr. CF
2. Kris Bryant 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo 1B
4. Willson Contreras C
5. Addison Russell SS
6. Ben Zobrist RF
7. Javier Baez 2B
8. Ian Happ LF
​9. Jon Lester P
SP: Jon Lester (LHP) (13-8, 4.33 ERA, and 180 Ks)

Washington Nationals (0-1):
1. Trea Turner SS
2. Bryce Harper RF
3. Anthony Rendon 3B
4. Daniel Murphy 2B
5. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
6. Jayson Werth LF
7. Matt Wieters C
8. Michael A. Taylor CF
9. Gio Gonzalez P
SP: Gio Gonzalez (15-9, 2.96 ERA, and 188 Ks)
​
Top of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Almora
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo
Gio Gonzalez now starting as Nationals Pitcher.
First Pitch around 5:41 p.m. EDT.
Almora lines out to Harper. 1 Out.
Bryant strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Rizzo gets called out on strikes. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of first inning. 

Middle of 1st Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Bottom of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Turner
2. Harper 
3. Rendon
​Turner flies out to Zobrist. 1 Out.
Harper strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
HOME RUN: Anthony Rendon hits a solo home run off of Jon Lester. CHC 0, WAS 1
​Murphy flies out to Almora. 3 Outs.

End of 1st Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 1

Top of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
4. Contreras 
5. Russell
6. Zobrist
Gonzalez currently at 16 pitches. 
​HOME RUN: Willson Contreras hits a solo home run off of Gio Gonzalez. CHC 1, WAS 1
Russell grounds out to Turner. 1 Out.
Zobrist grounds out to Turner. 2 Outs.
Baez strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.

Middle of 2nd Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 1

Bottom of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
5. Zimmerman
6. Werth
7. Wieters
Lester currently at 12 pitches.
​Zimmerman grounds out to Baez. 1 Out.
Werth pops out to Russell. 2 Outs.
Wieters hits the ball off of Lester, Baez picks it up and throws the Nats Catcher out at first. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 2nd Inning.

End of 2nd Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 1

Top of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
8. Happ
9. Lester
1. Almora Jr.
Gonzalez currently at 32 pitches. 
​Happ's back swing nails Wieters in the helmet. Wieters stays in the game. 
Happ gets called out on strikes. 1 Out.
Lester gets called out on strikes. 2 Outs.
Almora flies out to Harper. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 3rd Inning.

Middle of 3rd Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 1

Bottom of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
8. Taylor
9. Gonzalez
1. Turner
Lester currently at 24 pitches.
​Taylor lines out to Almora. 1 Out.
Gonzalez flies out to Happ. 2 Outs.
Turner grounds out to Lester. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 3rd Inning.

End of 3rd Inning:
CHC 1, WAS 1

Top of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo
4. Contreras
Gonzalez currently at 42 pitches.
​Bryant doubles to left field. Runner on 2nd.
HOME RUN: Anthony Rizzo hits a 2-run home run off of Gio Gonzalez. Bryant scores. CHC 3, WAS 1
​MANAGER'S CHALLENGE: Dusty Baker challenges call that Rizzo hit a home run. Possible fan interference. Call stands. CHC 3, WAS 1
Contreras draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Russell strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Zobrist grounds into 6-4-3 double play. 3 Outs.

Middle of 4th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Bottom of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Harper
3. Rendon
4. Murphy
Lester currently at 31 pitches.
​Harper grounds out to Russell. 1 Out.
Rendon grounds out to Lester. 2 Outs.
Murphy pops out to Russell. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 4th Inning.

End of 4th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Top of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
7. Baez
8. Happ
9. Lester
Gonzalez currently at 68 pitches.
​Baez draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Matt Albers (RHP) warming up in Nationals Bullpen.
Happ lines out to Taylor. 1 Out.
Lester sacrifice bunts to Gonzalez. Gonzalez to Murphy. Baez advances to second. 2 Outs. Runner on 2nd.
Baez steals third base. 
Almora flies out to Taylor. 3 Outs.
Cubs left Baez stranded on third base. Runner on 3rd.

Middle of 5th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Bottom of 5th Inning:
Due Up;
5. Zimmerman
6. Werth
7. Wieters
Lester currently at 44 pitches.
​Zimmerman singles to center field. Runner on 1st.
Werth flies out to Happ. 1 Out.
Wieters flies out to Zobrist. 2 Outs.
Zimmerman steals second base. Runner on 2nd.
Zimmerman advances to third base on wild pitch by Lester. Runner on 3rd. 
Taylor draws a base on balls. Runners on 1st & 3rd. 
PINCH-HITTING: Howie Kendrick pinch-hitting for Gio Gonzalez. 
Kendrick draws a base on balls. Taylor advances to second. Bases Loaded. 
Mike Montgomery (LHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
Turner strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Nationals left the bases loaded. 

End of 5th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Top of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo 
4. Contreras
​PITCHING CHANGE: Matt Albers (RHP) replaces Gio Gonzalez as Nationals Pitcher. 
Bryant lines out to Werth. 1 Out.
Rizzo grounds out to Murphy. 2 Outs.
Contreras draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Russell grounds out to Murphy. 3 Outs.
Cubs stranded Contreras on base. 

Middle of 6th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Bottom of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Harper
3. Rendon
4. Murphy
Lester currently at 73 pitches. 
​Harper grounds out to Russell. 1 Out.
Rendon grounds out to Russell. 2 Outs.
Murphy flies out to Almora. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 6th Inning.

End of 6th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Top of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
6. Zobrist
7. Baez
8. Happ
​Zobrist singles to center field. Runner on 1st.
Baez flies out to Werth. 1 Out.
Albers currently at 25 pitches.
PITCHING CHANGE: Sammy Solis (LHP) replaces Matt Albers as Nationals Pitcher. CHC 3, WAS 1
Happ strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
PINCH-HITTING: Jon Jay pinch-hitting for Jon Lester. 
Jay lines out to Werth. 3 Outs.
Cubs left Zobrist stranded on base. 

Middle of 7th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Bottom of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
5. Zimmerman
6. Werth
7. Wieters
​PITCHING CHANGE: Pedro Strop (RHP) replaces Jon Lester as Cubs Pitcher.
SUBSTITUTION: Jason Heyward replaces Ian Happ at right field. 
DEFENSIVE SWITCH: Ben Zobrist moves from right field to left field. 
Zimmerman pops out to Baez. 1 Out.
Werth flies out to Zobrist. 2 Outs.
Wieters gets hit by a pitch. Runner on 1st.
Taylor grounds into 5-4 fielder's choice. Wieters is out at second. 3 Outs.

End of 7th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Top of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
1. Almora Jr.
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo
PITCHING CHANGE: Ryan Madson (RHP) replaces Sammy Solis as Nationals Pitcher.
​Almora grounds out to Rendon. 1 Out.
Bryant singles to left field. Runner on 1st. 
PITCHING CHANGE: Oliver Perez (LHP) replaces Ryan Madson as Nationals Pitcher. CHC 3, WAS 1
​Rizzo grounds into a double play. 3 Outs.
Cubs side is retired. 

Middle of 8th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 1

Bottom of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Perez?
1. Turner
2. Harper
PITCHING CHANGE: Carl Edwards Jr. (RHP) replaces Pedro Strop as Cubs Pitcher.
PINCH-HITTING: Adam Lind pinch-hitting for Oliver Perez.
Lind singles to left field. Runner on 1st.
PINCH-RUNNING: Victor Robles pinch-running for Adam Lind.
Turner strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Wade Davis (RHP) and Mike Montgomery (LHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
HOME RUN: Bryce Harper hits a 2-run home run off of Carl Edwards Jr. Robles scores. CHC 3, WAS 3
​​Sean Doolittle (LHP) warming up in Nationals Bullpen.
Rendon draws a bases on balls. Runner on 1st.
PITCHING CHANGE: Mike Montgomery (LHP) replaces Carl Edwards Jr. as Cubs Pitcher. CHC 3, WAS 3
​Murphy singles to left field. Rendon advances to second. Runners on 1st and 2nd.
HOME RUN: Ryan Zimmerman hits a 3-run home run off of Mike Montgomery. Rendon and Murphy score. CHC 3, WAS 6
​Werth lines out to Russell. 2 Outs.
Wieter strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.

End of 8th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 6

Top of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Contreras
5. Russell
6. Zobrist
PITCHING CHANGE: Sean Doolittle (LHP) replaces Oliver Perez as Nationals Pitcher.
​Contreras strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Russell singles to center field. Runner on 1st.
Zobrist grounds into 5-4-3 double play. 3 Outs.
Cubs side is retired to end the game.

Final:
CHC 3, WAS 6
Series Tied at 1-1.
W: Perez (1-0) 
L: Edwards (0-1)
PoG: Zimmerman (WAS): 2/4, HR, 3 RBI
ToG: 3:06

Final Thoughts: It looked like the Cubs were going to return to Wrigley Field, with a 2-0 series lead on the Nationals. But Harper and Zimmerman's long ball saves the Nationals in Game 2. There will be a Game 4 on Tuesday. 

The series goes to the North Side of Chicago, as Max Scherzer expected to face Jose Quintana, in Game 3 of the NLDS.

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 Game 1 of the National League Division Series, between Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals.

Both teams made the Postseason as division champions. Cubs finished the season with a record of 92-70.But the Nationals earn home-field in this series, with a record of 97-65.

Cubs come in with a team batting average of .255, an OPS of .775, and drove in 785 out of 822 runs. Their pitching staff has a team ERA of 3.95, and a WHIP of 1.28.

​The Nationals have a team batting average of .266, an OPS of .782, and drove in 796 out of 819 runs scored. Their pitching staff has a team ERA of 3.88, and a 1.24 WHIP.

Washington is hoping to have Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer, ready to play in this series. Harper should return for Game 1, after being on the DL with a hyperextended knee. The news is different for Scherzer, who is projected to start in Game 3 of this series. But has been having a difficult time doing rehab starts this week, due to a tweak in his right hamstring.

The Cubs are also banged up in their starting rotation. Jake Arrieta is pushed back to start Game 4 (If the series goes that far.) due to a strain in the right hamstring. Cubs Manager Joe Maddon believes the Cubs Ace is ‘Fine’ And should start on Tuesday.

But tonight’s starting pitchers are Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs and Stephen Strasburg for the Nationals. Hendricks comes into tonight’s game with a regular season record of 7-5, with an ERA of 3.03, and 123 Ks. Strasburg comes in with a regular season record of 15-4, 2.52 ERA, and 204 Ks.

It is the Chicago Cubs versus Washington Nationals, Game 1 of the N.L.D.S. Coming up shortly.

Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

Starting Lineups:
Chicago Cubs (92-70):
1. Ben Zobrist RF
2. Kris Bryant 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo 1B
4. Willson Contreras C
5. Kyle Schwarber LF
6. Addison Russell SS
7. Jason Heyward CF
8. Javier Baez 2B
9. Kyle Hendricks P
SP: Kyle Hendricks (RHP) (7-5, 3.03 ERA, 123 Ks)

​
Washington Nationals (97-65):
1. Trea Turner SS
2. Bryce Harper RF
3. Anthony Rendon 3B
4. Daniel Murphy 2B
5. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
6. Jayson Werth LF
7. Matt Wieters C
8. Michael A. Taylor CF
9. Stephen Strasburg P
SP: Stephen Strasburg (RHP) (15-4, 2.02 ERA, 204 Ks)

Top of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Zobrist
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo
Stephen Strasburg now starting as Nationals Pitcher.
The winner of this series, will play the winner of the Diamondbacks/Dodgers NLDS, in the NLCS, next weekend. 
First pitch around 7:36 p.m. EDT. 
Zobrist grounds out to Zimmerman, unassisted. 1 Out.
Bryant strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Rizzo strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 1st Inning.

Middle of 1st Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Bottom of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Turner
2. Harper
3. Rendon
Kyle Hendricks now starting as Cubs Pitcher.
​Turner grounds out to Russell. 1 Out.
Harper singles to right field. Runner on 1st.
Rendon grounds out to Hendricks. 2 Outs.
Murphy lines out to Rizzo. 3 Outs.
Nationals left a man stranded on base. 

End of 1st Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Top of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
4. Contreras
5. Schwarber
6. Russell
​Contreras gets called out on strikes. 1 Out.
Strasbutg currently at 12 pitches.
Schwarber flies out to Werth. 2 Outs.
Russell draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Heyward pops out to Heyward. 3 Outs.
Cubs strand Russell on base. 

Middle of 2nd Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Bottom of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
5. Zimmerman
6. Werth
7. Wieters
Hendricks currently at 13 pitches. 
Zimmerman grounds out to Bryant. 1 Out.
Werth gets called out on strikes. 2 Outs.
Wieters gets hit by a pitch. Runner on 1st.
Taylor singles to left field. Wieters advances to second. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Strasburg grounds out to Rizzo. Rizzo to Hendricks. 3 Outs.
Nationals left a pair of base runners stranded.

End of 2nd Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Top of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
8. Baez
9. Hendricks
1. Zobrist
​Strasburg currently at 24 pitches.
Baez strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Hendricks gets called out on strikes. 2 Outs.
Zobrist flies out to Harper. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 3rd Inning.

Middle of 3rd Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Bottom of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:'
1. Turner
2. Harper
3. Rendon
Hendricks currently at 30 pitches.
​Turner grounds out to Hendricks. 1 Out.
Harper strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Rendon flies out to Heyward. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 3rd Inning.

End of 3rd Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0 

Top of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Bryant
3. Rizzo 
4. Contreras
Strasburg currently at 31 pitches.
Scores:
Bryant strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Rizzo strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Contreras grounds out to Murphy. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 4th Inning.
7 in a row retired by Strasburg. 

Middle of 4th Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Bottom of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Murphy
5. Zimmerman
6. Werth
​Hendricks currently at 44 pitches.
Murphy draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Zimmerman grounds into 6-4-3 double play. 2 Outs.
Werth draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Wieters strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand Werth on first base. 

End of 4th Inning:
​CHC 0, WAS 0

Top of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
5. Schwarber
6. Russell
7. Heyward
Strasburg currently at  50 pitches, no hit-shutout through 4 innings.
​Schwarber strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Russell grounds out to Zimmerman, unassisted. 2 Outs.
Heyward flies out to Taylor. 3 Outs.
Cubs go down 1-2-3, in their half of 5th Inning. 
Strasburg throwing a no-hitter through 5 innings.

Middle of 5th Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Bottom of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Taylor
9. Strasburg
1. Turner
Hendricks currently at 62 pitches. 
​Taylor grounds out to Bryant. 1 Out.
Strasburg grounds out to Hendricks. 2 Outs.
Turner gets called out on strikes. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 5th Inning.

End of 5th Inning:
CHC 0, WAS 0

Top of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Baez
9. Hendricks
1. Zobrist
​Strasburg currently at 52 pitches.
Baez reaches base on a fielding error by Rendon. Runner on 1st.
Hendricks sacrifice bunts to Zimmerman, unassisted. Baez advances to second. 1 Out. Runner on 2nd.
Zobrist flies out to Taylor, fails to advance Baez to third. 2 Outs.
Bryant hits a RBI-Single to right field. Baez scores. Bryant advances to second on the throw. Runner on 2nd. CHC 1, WAS 0
​CALL UNDER REVIEW: Call that Bryant is safe at second is being reviewed. Call stands. Runner on 2nd. 
Rizzo hits a RBI-Single to right field. Bryant scores. CHC 2, WAS 0
​Contreras grounds out to Turner. 3 Outs.
Cubs strand Rizzo. 

Middle of 6th Inning:
CHC 2, WAS 0

Bottom of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Harper
3. Rendon
4. Murphy
Hendricks currently at 76 pitches.
​Harper flies out to Schwarber. 1 Out.
Rendon draws a base on balls. Runner on 1st.
Murphy strikes out swinging. 2 Outs.
Zimmerman grounds into 6-4 fielder's choice. Rendon is out at second. 3 Outs.

End of 6th Inning:
CHC 2, WAS 0

Top of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
5. Schwarber
6. Russell
7. Heyward
Strasburg currently at 65 pitches.
Scores: 
​Schwarber gets called out on strikes.  1 Out.
Russell singles to center field. Runner on 1st.
Russell steals second base. 
Heyward fouls out to Zimmerman. 2 Outs.
Oliver Perez (LHP) warming up in Nationals Bullpen.
Baez strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Pedro Strop (RHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
Cubs strand Russell at second base. 

Middle of 7th Inning:
CHC 2, WAS 0

Bottom of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
6. Werth
7. Wieters
8. Taylor
Hendricks currently at 95 pitches.
SUBSTITUTION: Leonys Martin replaces Kyle Schwarber, playing center field and batting 5th.
DEFENSIVE SWITCH: Ben Zobrist moves from right field to left field. Jason Heyward moves from center field to right field. 
Werth grounds out to Bryant. 1 Out.
Brian Duensing (LHP) and Pedro Strop (RHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
Wieters grounds out to Baez. 2 Outs.
Taylor reaches base on fielding error by Bryant. Runner on 1st.
PINCH-HITTING: Howie Kendrick pinch-hitting for Stephen Strasburg. 
Hendricks currently at 103 pitches.
Kendrick strikes out swinging. 3 Outs.
Nationals strand Taylor on base.

End of 7th Inning:
CHC 2, WAS 0

Top of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Hendricks?
1. Zobrist
2. Bryant
​PITCHING CHANGE: Ryan Madson (RHP) replaces Stephen Strasburg as Nationals Pitcher.
PINCH-HITTING: Jon Jay pinch-hitting for Kyle Hendricks. 
Jay doubles to left field. Runner on 2nd.
Zobrist strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Bryant grounds out to Murphy. Jay advances to third. 2 Outs. Runner on 3rd.
Rizzo hits a RBI-Double left field. Jay scores. CHC 3, WAS 0
​Nationals elect to intentionally pass on Contreras. 
Oliver Perez (LHP) warming up in Nationals Bullpen.
Martin gets called out on strikes. 3 Outs.
Cubs strand a pair of base runners. 

Middle of 8th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 0

Bottom of 8th Innning:
Due Up:
1. Turner
2. Harper
3. Rendon
​PITCHING CHANGE: Carl Edwards Jr. (RHP) replaces Kyle Hendricks as Cubs Pitcher. Edwards will bat 1st in Cubs Lineup.
SUBSTITUTION: Jon Jay stays in game to play left field. Zobrist leaves the game.
Turner strikes out swinging. 1 Out.
Harper pops out to Baez. 2 Outs.
Rendon gets called out on strikes. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, in their half of 8th Inning.

End of 8th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 0

Top of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
6. Russell
7. Heyward
8. Baez
​PITCHING CHANGE: Brandon Kintzler (RHP) replaces Ryan Madson as Nationals Pitcher.
Scores: 
Wade Davis (RHP) warming up in Cubs Bullpen.
Russell loses his 10-pitch battle with Kintzler, as the Cubs Shortstop gets called out on strikes. 1 Out.
Heyward gets hit by a pitch. Runner on 1st.
Baez grounds into 4-3 double play. 3 Outs.
Cubs side is retired.

Middle of 9th Inning:
CHC 3, WAS 0

Bottom of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Murphy 
5. Zimmerman
6. Werth 
PITCHING CHANGE: Wade Davis (RHP) replaces Carl Edwards Jr. as Cubs Pitcher.
​SUBSTITUTION: Albert Almora Jr. replaces Jon Jay, playing center field. 
DEFENSIVE SWITCH: Leonys Martin moves from center field to left field. 
Murphy grounds out to Baez. 1 Out.
Zimmerman strikes out swinging. The pitch went to the dirt. Contreras hits Zimmerman on throw to first. Zimmerman is ruled out due to being inside the first baseline. Contreras to Rizzo on throw out.  2 Outs.
Werth fouls out to Contreras. 3 Outs.
Nationals go down 1-2-3, to end Game 1. 

Final:
CHC 3, WAS 0
W: Hendricks (1-0) 
L: Strasburg (0-1)
SV: Davis (1)_
PoG: Hendricks (CHC) W, 7 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 6 K, 3 BB
ToG: 3:02

Final Thoughts: Stellar pitching performances by Strasburg and Hendricks. But in the end, the Cubs played like defending champions, cashing in a Rendon error, with 2 runs in the Top of 6th Inning. And Rizzo taking advantage of Baker letting Madson pitch to the Cubs First-Baseman. 

As for the Nationals, they are going to shake this one off, and regroup in Game 2. 

Tomorrow's game should be more of a battle of bullpens, as both Hendricks and Strasburg gave their teams 7 IP. 

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