Chicago have beaten Washington 9-8 in the fifth and deciding game of their National League division series to advance in the Major League Baseball playoffs.
Addison Russell had two hits and four RBIs as the Cubs scored four runs off Max Scherzer in Thursday's fifth inning.
The Nationals had a chance to tie the game in the eighth, but back-up catcher Jose Lobaton, who entered the game for starter Matt Wieters, was picked off first for the last out.
The winning pitcher was Cubs reliever Brian Duesning (1-0), who recorded two outs without giving up a run. Chicago closer Wade Davis allowed one run but bagged the final seven outs for his third save of the series.
The Cubs advance to play the Dodgers on Saturday in Los Angeles in game one of the NL Championship Series. Washington have lost in the first round in all four playoff showings since 2012.
Share
