NLDS Game 2, Cubs vs. Nationals: highlights, recap, and more

On the brink of losing two games, the bats of the Washington Nationals came to life. Harper and Zimmerman lead late rally to tie NLDS at one game each.

After a game and seven innings, there is no doubting the Chicago Cubs are real contenders for the World Series. The Washington Nationals appeared to be ready to fold. But, the bats turned on and they walked away tying up the series.

Lester started Game 2 for the Chicago Cubs and showed why he is worth his contract. After a regular season that was below normal, Lester dominated Nationals hitters. In six innings of work, he allowed only two hits and one run. The one run was a homer off the bat of Anthony Rendon in the first inning. With six weak fly outs and seven groundouts, Lester kept the one of NL’s best offense down.

The game could have turned in the fifth. A lead-off single by Ryan Zimmerman gave the Nationals their first base runner since the first. The next two batters flied out. After Zimmerman stole second, Lester loaded the bases with two walks. Trea Turner had a chance to break the game open. However, he fell victim of a strikeout.

However, the Nationals were not down for the count. Bryce Harper’s bat finally came to life in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one on and one out, Harper laced a home run to right center off of Carl Edwards. The game was tied, 3-3. But not for long. Three batters later, Ryan Zimmerman launched a three-run blast to left.

Three Stars:

1. Bryce Harper/Ryan Zimmerman: With his team down 3-1 in the bottom of the either, Harper brought the crowd to life with a major, game-tying blow. Zimmerman followed with a three-run homer of his own.
2. Anthony Rizzo: After striking out in a nine-pitch at-bat in the first inning, Rizzo followed Kris Bryant’s leadoff double in the fourth with a two-run homer. He is batting .375 with four RBI in the NLDS.
3. Jon Lester: Six innings of stellar pitching, Lester powered through a tough fifth inning to keep the Cubs ahead.

Highlights

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Next Game

The NLDS moves to Chicago and Wrigley Field. Game 3 is slated for Monday, with first pitch at 5:38pm Eastern. The Chicago Cubs send left-hander Jose Quintana to the mound while the Washington Nationals counter with Cy Young winner Max Scherzer. The Cubs can close out the series with a win, sweeping the Nationals in three games.