Nationals Sweep Cardinals, Advance to Franchise's First World Series

Patrick Corbin struck out 12 batters in five innings in Washington's 7-4 Game 4 victory.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals advanced to the World Series for the first time in franchise history on Tuesday with a 7-4 victory over the Cardinals in Game 4 of the NLCS.

Washington had not won a playoff series in the franchise's 15-year history prior to 2019. The Nationals lost in the NLDS four times from 2012-17.

Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin fanned 12 batters in five innings on Tuesday. Washington jumped out to a 7-0 first-inning lead before Corbin allowed four runs prior to the sixth inning.

Patrick Corbin has faced 6 batters through 2 IP:

K (swinging)
K (swinging)
K (swinging)
K (swinging)
Line drive
K (swinging)#PattyIce❄️ // #STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/t97JqgUweF

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 16, 2019

Patrick Corbin, Overpowering 95mph Fastball...and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/KxwPFMZH6C

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 16, 2019

Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto drove in Washington's first two runs on Tuesday. Yan Gomes added two runs in the first inning as well before Yadier Molina got the Cardinals on the board in the fourth inning.

Guys is this really happening??

Juan Soto gives the @Nationals a 2-0 lead in Game 4!pic.twitter.com/wAqdPLoQN8

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2019

The Nationals will face the winner between the Astros and Yankees. They will have a five-day break before the World Series begins