The Washington Nationals were blanked, 3-0, at home by the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Divisional Series yesterday. This game today is vital for Washington because if they are 0-2 going into Chicago for Game 3 this thing is over and they know it. Two lefties will oppose each other, with the Cubs sending Jon Lester to the hill to face the Nationals Gio González. Lester has had a decent year, posting a record of 13-8, with a 4.33 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.32, but against a team with a winning record, the Cubs are just 3-7 in Lester’s last 10 starts. González’s numbers are better. He is 15-9, with a 2.96 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and the Nationals are 16-5 in his last 21 home starts against a team with a winning record. As potent as Chicago’s offense is, they are 0-4 in their last 4 games against lefties and 0-6 in their last 6 road games against southpaws. The Nationals bats were silent yesterday, mustering only 2 hits. Remember, Lester is vulnerable to the steal, so if the Nationals bats come alive and they can get on base, they should head to Wrigley with a split.
TODAY’S PICK: WASHINGTON NATIONALS