Washington Nationals win Game 3 of NLCS

Last night, the Washington Nationals came one step closer to making an appearance in their first World Series in franchise history after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 8-1 in game three of the NLCS. The eight runs scored by the Nationals is the most runs they have scored this postseason.

After two scoreless innings to begin the game, the Nationals caught fire in the third scoring four runs. The first run came off an RBI single by right fielder Adam Eaton, the second coming off an RBI double by third baseman Anthony Rendon who is currently on a seven-game postseason hit streak, and the third and fourth runs came from second baseman off a two-run RBI double.

The fifth inning saw Howie Kendrick score off an RBI double this time for just one run as well as an RBI double from first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Center fielder Victor Robles’ home run in the sixth inning made the score 7-0 going into the seventh inning.

Victor Robles is the best defensive CF in @MLB.

Victor Robles is 22 years old.

Victor Robles just missed 5 games with a hamstring injury.

Victor Robles went 2-for-4 with a HR and 2 runs scored.

Victor Robles is our 2nd-oldest starting OF.#NLCS // #STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/8HnQpJbZK5

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 15, 2019

In the seventh inning, Cardinals scored their first and only run of the game off a single hit by shortstop that led to a throwing error by Nats left fielder Juan Soto. In the same inning the Nats would score their final run of the game off another RBI from Ryan Zimmerman to secure an 8-1 win and to give the Nationals a 3-0 lead in the NLCS.

Like in game two, the Cardinals bullpen were a huge reason for their game three loss. The Cardinals pitchers combined to allow 11 hits and eight runs while committing eight errors. Cards starting pitcher Jack Flaherty accounted for five hits and four runs by the Nats while committing four errors in four innings pitched. Cards relief pitcher John Brebbia allowed three hits and two runs including the Nats only home run while committing two errors in a single inning.

If this trend continues for the Cardinals, the Nationals could be on their way to appearing in their first ever World Series when the NLCS is all said and done.

The Nationals will have a chance to put this series to bed when they take on the Cardinals in game four tonight from Nationals Park.