The Washington Nationals have the momentum over the Chicago Cubs tonight when the series heads back to Washington for the decisive Game 5 of the National League Division Series. The Nationals are expected to hand the ball to Gio González. The lefty is 15-9, with an ERA of 3.01, and a WHIP of 1.17. Washington is 9-4 in his last 13 starts and 5-2 in his last 7 home starts. The Cubs are expected to counter with Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks, who looked sharp in his last turn, is 8-5, with a 2.88 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and will need to go deep into the game because of a tired Cubs bullpen. González could pose a problem for Chicago. They are 0-5 in their last 5 games against southpaws and 0-7 in their last 7 road games against lefties. Jerry Layne will be calling the game tonight and Chicago is 2-7 in their last 9 games with him behind the dish. Washington finally gets over the hump.
TONIGHT’S PICK: WASHINGTON NATIONALS