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The Nationals got another strong start, this time by Anibal Sánchez as they jump out to a 1-0 lead in the NLCS.
The NLCS will most likely complete their first two games before the ALCS begins later today. The Nationals and Cardinals will start at 1:08 p.m. this afternoon and then the Astros will host the Yankees with that game starting at 5:08 p.m.
Nationals at Cardinals - Game 1 (Nationals lead 1-0)
Everyone knows about Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg but a pitcher who has been near perfect for the Nationals this postseason has been right-hander Anibal Sánchez.
Sánchez allowed one run in five innings, a solo home run by Max Muncy, in NLDS Game 3 and he came back on Friday to be even better against Cardinals.
For 7⅔ innings, Sánchez had no-hit the Cardinals.
Aníbal Sánchez is the 6th pitcher in MLB postseason history to carry a no-hit bid for at least 7 2/3 innings.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 12, 2019
He now has 2 career postseason outings of at least 6 IP with 1 or fewer hits allowed, the most such outings in postseason history. pic.twitter.com/J0xVomEMIe
The Nationals would win the game 2-0 with Sánchez and Sean Doolittle combining for the one-hitter. The last one-hitter in the National League Championship Series was also pitched against the Cardinals.
In 2004, the Astros one-hit the Cardinals 3-0 with Brandon Backe pitching eight innings and giving up one hit. It wasn’t as dramatic as last night’s game, Backe gave up the hit in the sixth inning and kept pitching.
Brad Lidge would get the win as the Astros won the game on a walk-off three-run Jeff Kent homer.
Friday’s scoreboard
Friday’s schedule - Championship Series
1:08 p.m. PT: Nationals (Maz Scherzer) @ Cardinals (Adam Wainwright) (TBS)
5:08 p.m.: Yankees (Masahiro Tanaka) @ Astros (Zack Greinke) (FOX)