After the double-error in left field on Monday, I didn’t think that the “Mighty Schwarber” (Post #119) would ever get a chance to redeem himself.  Schwarbs, as I fondly call him, hit a very respectable 30 Home Runs this season for the Cubs.  However, he joined several of his teammates in the doghouse, during the “Battle of the Blunders.” (Post #297).   I have been reading about the Revolutionary War, so this label seemed appropriate for the Nationals-Cubs series, as both teams and their Generals made a lot of mistakes.

Last night’s game was no exception. After a near perfect performance from Strasburg in Game 4, the other Nats’ “S,” as in Superman and Starter, found himself in a relief role in Game 5.  Max Scherzer allowed an uncharacteristic four runs to get the loss, and set the stage for a clutch base hit by Kyle Schwarber in the 7th off “S” as in Solis.

Schwarber’s drive was mighty, making a big dent in the right field wall, but ricocheted quickly back to Bryce Harper, who skillfully held him to just a long single.  However, that hit would also turn into the winning run.  Schwarbs scored on Bryant’s fielder’s choice when the Nats elected to go for the double-play.  Bryant narrowly beat it out and the Cubs held on dearly for the victory 2 gut-grinding innings later.

Kyle Schwarber may very well be traded at the end of this season to serve as an American League designated hitter.  However, the season isn’t over yet, and he still has a chance to equal or exceed last year’s heroic post season performance.  After all, as a fellow I. U. grad, in my eyes he’s still the “Mighty Schwarber.”  Don’t give up on him yet!  Go Cubs!