Fister’s accuracy keeps Nationals afloat

Doug Fister pitches seven shutout innings as Washington beat Giants and cut deficit in National League Division Series.

Fister's efforts have ensured a fourth game [AP]

Doug Fister pitched seven shutout innings and the Washington Nationals capitalised on Madison Bumgarner’s one off target throw, staving off elimination in the National League Division Series with a 4-1 win over the San Francisco Giants.

Fister helped the Nationals cut their deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-five series, and end the Giants’ postseason winning streak.

Elsewhere, St. Louis beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 later to take a 2-1 lead in their series, with Kolten Wong hitting a two-run homer to snap a seventh-inning tie, Matt Carpenter going deep for the third straight game and John Lackey living up to his big-game reputation.

The game in San Francisco turned when Washington scored two runs on Bumgarner’s throwing error in the seventh inning to end the ace pitcher’s 22-inning scoreless streak. Bryce Harper punctuated the victory with a solo homer in the ninth.

Drew Storen allowed the first two batters to reach in the bottom of the ninth but shook off his postseason struggles, allowing a run in closing it out as Washington forced a Game 4 on Tuesday night.

Source: AP