The Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals are both at the brink. In a series dominating by great pitching, the National League division series moves to a deciding fifth game Thursday night at Nationals Park. Here are three questions going into the game:
1. How good was Stephen Strasburg in Game 4?
As good as it gets. The Nationals created their own doubt and confusion in the hours leading up to the game by saying Strasburg was sick and not likely to pitch. All he did was strike out 12 Cubs in 7 innings.
2. How do things look for Game 5 and beyond for the Cubs?
The right man, Kyle Hendricks, will start Game 5. He has pitched as well as anybody in the game down the stretch. If the Cubs do manage to win, they likely will go with Jose Quintana in Game 1 of the NLCS on Saturday because Jon Lester worked 3⅔ innings Wednesday.
3. Are the Cubs in trouble?
This team's motto has been "we never quit" since last year's World Series victory. So, no, both teams look to be on equal footing for the finale.
1. How good was Stephen Strasburg in Game 4?
As good as it gets. The Nationals created their own doubt and confusion in the hours leading up to the game by saying Strasburg was sick and not likely to pitch. All he did was strike out 12 Cubs in 7 innings.
2. How do things look for Game 5 and beyond for the Cubs?
The right man, Kyle Hendricks, will start Game 5. He has pitched as well as anybody in the game down the stretch. If the Cubs do manage to win, they likely will go with Jose Quintana in Game 1 of the NLCS on Saturday because Jon Lester worked 3⅔ innings Wednesday.
3. Are the Cubs in trouble?
This team's motto has been "we never quit" since last year's World Series victory. So, no, both teams look to be on equal footing for the finale.
