WASHINGTON — Suddenly the Nationals seem like the underdog in this tied NLDS, even with the next three games scheduled at home.
Part of that sentiment might stem from the fact the Cardinals pummeled the Nationals 12-4 in Game 2 on Monday at Busch Stadium, and with Chris Carpenter, Kyle Lohse and Adam Wainwright lined up against Edwin Jackson, Ross Detwiler and Gio Gonzalez, the pitching matchups seemingly favor St. Louis.
But Nationals manager Davey Johnson doesn’t want his young team thinking like underdogs.
“We don’t have to prove anything,” Johnson said yesterday. “We proved we’re a damn good ballclub. Came out of the season with the best record in baseball, won our division. We played well on the road and we played exceptionally well here at home.
“I like where we’re at and I like the attitude of the ballclub right now. It’s nice and relaxed and happy to be here.”
* Jaime Garcia was removed from the Cardinals’ NLDS roster because of a rotator cuff strain and left shoulder inflammation. The lefty tried to pitch through the discomfort in Game 2, but lasted only two innings. Rookie right-hander Shelby Miller took Garcia’s roster spot.
* Today will mark the first postseason game played in this city since the decisive fifth game of the 1933 World Series, won by the Giants over the Senators.
Johnson said it should be a special day.
“Our fan base all year long has been outstanding, and they have been into the games as good as any fans I’ve ever been around,” Johnson said. “We got rid of the Philly fans and started taking up more of the space ourselves. It’s been great. The guys really enjoy playing here. We love the city and we love the ballpark and we love the fans.”