Nationals take Cubs to Game 5

CHICAGO (AP) — Stephen Strasburg shook off an illness and all doubts about his mettle while pitching seven dominant innings, Michael A. Taylor hit a late grand slam and the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-0 on Wednesday to send their NL Division Series to a decisive Game 5.

The teams packed up at Wrigley Field and headed back to Washington for Game 5 tonight.

Kyle Hendricks starts for the World Series champion Cubs after throwing seven sharp innings in a 3-0 victory over Strasburg in Game 1. Gio Gonzalez is the likely starter for the Nationals.

Strasburg got sick after his terrific performance in the playoff opener on Friday, and the Nationals planned to go with Tanner Roark. But Strasburg felt better when he woke up Wednesday and told manager Dusty Baker he wanted the ball.

Strasburg struck out 12, allowed three hits and walked two in his first career post-season win.

Chicago wasted a gutsy performance from Jake Arrieta and solid relief by Game 2 starter Jon Lester.

Chicago’s bullpen faltered from there. Carl Edwards Jr. walked two and threw ball one to Taylor before he was replaced by Davis. Taylor then drove a 1-1 pitch into the basket overhanging the brick wall in right field for his first playoff homer.

Yankees-Cleveland story on B2.