It was more than a little disappointing last night when the Nationals were only able to get 8 guys to show up for game two of the Nats-Cubs playoff series, because the first game was so well played and hotly contested.
With this being a playoff game, The Cubs had no choice but to keep their minds on business.
Five of the first seven Cubs to come to the plate hit safely, as the Cubs scored four runs in the bottom of the first. The inning ended on a line drive by Sean Maney right at the Nats first baseman, who then turned it into a double play.
The Nats again turned a double play in the second inning (this time 6-4-3) to keep the score from getting out of hand.
In the bottom of the second inning, the Nats closed to within 4-1 on a long home run by Rudy Fallas to lead off the inning. After a fly ball to center and a single by Dan Hernandez, the Cubs turned a 6-4-3 double play of their own, to end the rally.
The game was essentially decided in the top of the third as the Cubs used 2 doubles, 3 singles, 1 walk, and 1 error to plate 7 runs and take a 11-1 lead (which would end up being the final score).
Phil Gadomski started and pitched 5 innings for the Cubs, giving up one run on 5 hits and one walk. Jon Martin came on to shut out the Nationals over the last two innings, while giving up just one single and walking none.
Randy Craft, Ron Lochner, Mike Girard, Dave Mitchell, and Tom Maney all had two hits to lead a 14-hit Cubs attack.
Rudy Fallas added a double high off the left field wall to his long home run to lead the way for the Nats.
The Cubs now advance to take on the winner of the Shasky's - Yankees matchup next week.
Congrats to the Nats on a successful rookie season in the 35+ division.