Nats Clinch National League Pennant

Tuesday night’s prime-time playoff matchup featured the St. Louis Cardinals at the Washington Nationals with the Nats looking to sweep the National League Championship Series to clinch the franchise’s first World Series appearance.

Nationals 7, Cardinals 4 (box score)

W: Patrick Corbin
L: Dakota Hudson
S: Daniel Hudson

Washington pushed seven runs across the plate in the bottom of the 1st inning against St. Louis starter Dakota Hudson, who was pulled after recording only one out. The big blow came on a single by Yan Gomes to bring home Howie Kendrick and Ryan Zimmerman.

The Cardinals mustered up the most runs they had scored the entire series, but it would not be enough to overcome the early deficit. Their best chance to tie the game or take the lead came in the top of the 8th inning against Daniel Hudson, who hit Yadier Molina and walked Paul DeJong to load the bases after inheriting a runner at 1st. Hudson induced a groundout by Matt Carpenter to retire the side and then worked a 1-2-3 9th inning for a pennant-clinching save.

Veteran utility player Kendrick received the MVP honors after slashing .333/.412/.600 with four doubles, four runs scored and four RBIs in the series.

The Nats’ opponent in the World Series is to be determined. Earlier in the day, the Houston Astros took a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship Series with a 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees. Action continues at Yankee Stadium tonight in Game 4 at 8:08 PM ET. Matchup: TBD.

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