Nats-Cubs NLDS Game 4 rainout: In Real Life
MLB.com was on the scene in and around Wrigley Field on Tuesday as excitement builds for Game 4 of the National League Division Series presented by T-Mobile between the Nationals and the Cubs. The game was postponed due to impending inclement weather. Chicago leads the best-of-five series, 2-1.
6:16 p.m. ET: Let's try again tomorrow
Today's game has been officially scratched due to impending inclement weather. Officials from both teams and MLB met at 6 p.m. ET to make the call.
First pitch for Game 4 is now set for 4:08 p.m. ET Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
5:04 p.m. ET: Patience is a virtue
Today's game is being delayed by inclement weather. Major League Baseball officials were to meet at 6 p.m. ET to discuss whether or not to play. The game was originally scheduled to start at 5:38 p.m. ET.
Both teams were able to take batting practice, but rain is scheduled throughout the remainder of the evening. As a precaution, the grounds crew assembled to tackle tarp duties.
4:00 p.m. ET: Cage match
Daniel Murphy works on his stroke during BP after telling the media: "I've probably gotten some pitches to hit that I've missed, personally, but I continue to grind out at-bats."
3:21 p.m. ET: Fall together now
The heaters are on in the Cubs' dugout. After yesterday's summery weather, it really feels like October now.
3:18 p.m. ET: Ever ready
Daniel Murphy said Nationals players haven't been told anything about the weather other than to be ready for an on-time start at 5:38 p.m. ET.
3:01 p.m. ET: Managers make plans for potential postponement
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said if Game 4 is pushed to Wednesday because of weather, Jake Arrieta will remain his starting pitcher. Nats skipper Dusty Baker was not as committal regarding whether Tanner Roark or Stephen Strasburg would start, saying, "We're not sure."
2:45 p.m. ET: Hendricks is experienced
Kyle Hendricks, who will start Game 5 for Chicago if necessary, meets with the media before Game 4. He expressed his confidence in Game 4 starter Jake Arrieta, who has been limited lately by a sore hamstring, and touched on the challenges that come along with the uncertain forecast for Tuesday. The key, Hendricks said, is focusing on making pitches and not worrying about when the game will start or when a delay might come.
2:40 p.m. ET: Chalk of the town
Cubs fans continue a tradition formed in the wake of last year's World Series championship: scrawling messages on the exterior brick walls of Wrigley Field. The outfield walls along Sheffield and Waveland Avenues aren't as full of colorful messages yet, but it's early in the postseason.
2:31 p.m. ET: Iconography
Yes, three Chicago legends will be on hand to sing the national anthem, throw the first pitch and say "Play ball" for Game 4, but Ron Swanson and Peggy Olson/Offred/Zoey Bartlet are going to be in the house for the seventh-inning stretch!
2:23 p.m. ET: Dry, nice
It's definitely windy but still dry at Wrigley. There's still a few hours until first pitch, but the buzz is starting to build.
2:05 p.m. ET: Weather or not
The forecast calls for rain in Chicago throughout the day as the Cubs and Nationals prepare for Game 4 at Wrigley Field, but the precipitation -- and the tarp -- are nowhere to be found 3 1/2 hours before first pitch. It still feels like October, though, with temperatures in the low 60s and the wind whipping in. Most players are just arriving at the ballpark, occasionally peeking out onto the field to get a feel for the conditions.
1:53 p.m. ET: If at first you don't succeed, Trea again
The Nats re-ordered their usual lineup for Game 4 -- moving Jayson Werth up to No. 2 and putting Ryan Zimmerman at cleanup -- but Trea Turner remains at leadoff as he has for every game this series.
• Nats, Cubs set lineups for Game 4
1:16 p.m. ET: ... Put on a happy face
Gray skies above Wrigley Field don't affect our enthusiasm.
12:45 p.m. ET: Cubs announce Game 4 lineup
10:35 a.m. ET: Wrigley waits
The sky's the limit for the thrills awaiting us in Game 4!