The Cubs have outlasted the Nationals to advance to the National League Championship Series by a score of 9-8. It took some incredible luck, and an unreal seven-out-save from Wade Davis, but the Cubs found a way.
The scoring started early, with Anthony Rizzo singled to drive in the first of 9 runs scored by the Cubs tonight. And the Nats were held scoreless in the 1st thanks to a stellar play by Javy Baez.
Javier Baez throws out Trea Turner at the plate, #Cubs still lead 1-0 after one inning. pic.twitter.com/hU75EnvskN
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) October 13, 2017
The Cubs would quickly lose that lead after Michael A. Taylor clubbed a 3-run shot that looked to have stolen all the momentum from this game. But the Cubs scratched across two runs in the 3rd and then Addison Russell hit a 2-run double to give the Cubs a 5-4 lead in the 5th innning.
Addison Russell gives the #Cubs a 5-4 lead with a 2-run double! pic.twitter.com/F5OvsArMr2
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) October 13, 2017
Possibly the biggest turning point in the entire game came in the 8th inning with two outs, when Anthony Rizzo applied a quick tag on the 1st base runner Jose Lobaton, the call was reviewed and the Cubs got the last out in the 8th inning.
José Lobatón picked off first base by Willson Contreras to end the 8th inning. #Cubs #Nats pic.twitter.com/7yRA1jJyXw
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) October 13, 2017
And the final 7th out by Wade Davis is a perfectly placed curveball to strikeout Nationals super-star Bryce Harper to reach their 3rd consecutive NLCS berth.