If there was any concerns of a letdown from the Washington Nationals being up 3-0 with the next two games at home in the NLCS, they were quickly evaporated. After starter Patrick Corbin struck out the side in the top half of the first, the Nationals offense exploded for seven runs.
The Nationals chased St. Louis Cardinals starter Dakota Hudson off the mound in just 1/3 of an inning.
Lead-off hitter Trea Turner led the way with two hits in the inning, including a two-run single to cap the scoring in the inning.
Anthony Rendon got the scoring started with a sacrifice fly to score Turner.
A locked in Juan Soto then delivered an RBI-double to make it 2-0 Nationals.
It was encouraging to see, as the 20-year old had struggled in the NLCS going 1-for-12 through the first three games. But, when called on, he made it happen.
After an intentional walk to Howie Kendrick and a single by Ryan Zimmerman, Victor Robles blooped a single to shallow right to score Soto.
Catcher Yan Gomes then hit a two-run single to make it 5-0.
The carnage was capped by Turner’s two-run single that lifted the non-existing roof off Nationals Park.
With all the disappointments in past postseasons, it’s clear this year’s Nationals are not messing around. They’re looking to punch their ticket to the World Series with a KO early.
The Cardinals have to be demoralized.
