Back in the spring, the Nationals were fielding headlines like “How bad is this Nationals bullpen? It’s worse than you thought” and “Nationals’ brutal early season stretch gets worse.” Since then, though, the team has mounted a comeback that has brought our boys further than they’ve ever been in the playoffs—for the first time, they actually won a postseason series (against the Dodgers) and are now up two games to none in the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Unlike the first round of the playoffs, which was a best of five games, this semifinal series requires four wins to move forward. And the winner gets to play the biggest show in baseball: the World Series, where they’ll face either the New York Yankees or the Houston Astros. Also, given their previous clubhouse celebrations, I would love to see how this team’s reaction to advancing to the World Series.
The Nats cinched their first two victories on the road, and now they’re coming home for the next three games: Monday’s begins at 7:38 p.m. (Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to pitch), Tuesday’s is at 8:05 p.m. (replete with a tribute to the newly crowned champs, the Washington Mystics, including a ceremonial first pitch from league MVP Elena Delle Donne), and Wednesday’s game (if it’s necessary) is at 4:08 p.m. If the Cardinals hold out through then, the teams go back to St. Louis for games six and seven, which are scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
There are still tickets available for folks who want to see the Nats #STAYINTHEFIGHT live from the stands (inside the stadium, there’s happy hour from when the doors open until 30 minutes before the first pitch). But if you’re not willing to shell out more than a hundred bucks to watch the first-ever NLCS games at Nats Park, we’ve got some other options for you:
Across The Pond: The Dupont Circle sports pub and restaurant is promising the sound on for the Nats game, along with food and drink specials. Plus, happy hour lasts until 8 p.m.
The Bullpen: Want to be close enough to hear the action? Located on the same block as Nats Park, this outdoor spot opens two hours before the game. It has big screens for viewing the playoffs, as well as $6 drinks.
DC Eagle: There’s a watch party at the Benning Road leather bar, including $4 Budweisers and free hot dogs.
Duffy’s Irish Pub: The H Street NE Nationals bar has eight flat screens and surround sound, and is slinging its burgers at half-price for Game 3.
Hops N Shine: The Del Ray pub is advertising first inning deals—think $3 Jim Beam and cokes and $4 for select local drafts—along with food and drink specials that’ll last the whole game.
Granville Moore’s: This Belgian spot on H Street NE is offering $5 beers and food during the game. And the restaurant’s regular Monday special—$12 mussels—is running until 10 p.m.
Rachel Kurzius