Chicago Cubs Win Game 3 Of NLDS, Could Clinch Series On Tuesday
CHICAGO (CBS) -- So what? Now what?
The Chicago Cubs say that mantra propelled them to a 2-to-1 victory on Monday over the Washington Nationals.
They are now one win away from going back to the championship series. And Cubs fans are ecstatic. CBS 2's Susanna Song has more from Wrigleyville.
The Cubs have the chance to clinch on Tuesday and advance to the NLCS. Cubs pitcher, Jake Arrieta will take the mound for Game 4 after tending to a sore right hamstring.
Did you know before a home game, he has a go-to meal? It's his lucky snack he gets right in the neighborhood.
Fans can find Arrieta at Cafe Tola on Southport and Addison for empanadas. When CBS 2 stopped by Tuesday morning they were making a batch of his favorite ham mac and cheese.
The owner said Arrieta used to stand in a long line to get his hands on one of those, but now the restaurant has a dozen read for him. Gerardo Salamanca calls Arrieta a friend, he even has an autographed bat and said he'll be cheering him on Tuesday.
The team hopes to wrap up the series on Tuesday in front of their boisterous fans at Wrigley Field, as they certainly don't want a Game 5 in Washington.
And fans were relishing in the Monday night win, leading the Cubs into a one game lead in the best of five series.
Other than expecting to fly the W on Tuesday, fans should expect enhanced security at the ballpark. On Monday, officers in tactical gear stood by with assault rifles.
Fans CBS 2 spoke to welcomed their presence and said they felt safe.
Cubs players are also gearing up for Tuesday afternoon and hope to end the series during Game 4 at home, in front of their beloved fans.
"It's important. We know having our home crowd behind us playing here at Wrigley, we anticipate it being an exciting environment. We want to close it out here, it's always more fun to celebrate at home than on the road," said Cubs' Ben Zobrist.
"We have been spoiled with great fans all year, they make it playoffs atmosphere almost everyday," said Cubs' Albert Almora.
Game 4 of the NLDS takes place at 4:38 p.m. on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Major League Baseball set that time because of the forecast.
If the Chicago Cubs win on Tuesday they move on to the NLCS, where they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
If they lose, Game 5 will be Thursday in Washington, D.C.