Nationals vs. Cubs NL Division Series (2-1 CHC)


Date: Wednesday, Oct. 11
Time: 4:08 p.m. ET
Location: Wrigley Field -- Chicago, Illinois
Starting Pitchers: Tanner Roark (13-11) vs. Jake Arrieta (14-10)
TV Channel: TBS (check local listings)
Online Stream: TBS Live
Live Stats: GameTracker

Yes, a win is a win, but dammit if the Cubs didn't get the worst win ever in Game 3 of the NLDS. Max Scherzer took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and, in a 1-0 game, the Cubs managed to get a double off of Scherzer. Chicago then immediately drove that run in, and ultimately won the game 2-1. The Jekyll and Hyde defense of the Cubs managed to give the Nationals a lead and then crush any hope of a rally. Ben Zobrist came alive for the first time in the series, and the Cubs are partying like it's 2016.

Now, in Game 4, it's the Battle of the Beards, with Tanner Roark pitching against Jake Arrieta. Starting Roark has been met with some controversy, as the rainout would have allowed Stephen Strasburg to go on Wednesday, but apparently Dusty Baker wants his ace rested for a potential Game 5. Arrieta is not stranger to these games, and in a closeout game at Wrigley expect the Cubs faithful to be rowdy as they try to fly another W. If they're winning games like they did on Monday, then maybe this team is invincible. Maybe it's written with plot armor. Maybe it's Maybelline. Whatever the case may be, the Nationals need to pull out some stops if they're going to overcome a loss as devastating as Monday's. 2017 is one of the most talented teams Washington has fielded since it was in Montreal, and Washington fans are being crushed by close games. If Roark is able to survive, the Cubs will see Stephen Strasburg in Game 5, who pitched extremely well in Game 1 despite a loss.