Cubs Sweep Nationals: Is This the Start of a Second-Half Surge?

By sweeping the Washington Nationals in their first four games following the All-Star break, the Chicago Cubs did exactly what they needed to do if they intend to make a playoff run over the second half of the season.

In a division where five teams are currently within six games of first place, it was crucial that the Cubs not stumble and instead take advantage of their four-game series against the worst team in baseball.

They did exactly that and finished the sweep in dominating fashion with an 11-3 victory.

After displaying inconsistency both offensively and at the plate during the first half of the 2009 season, the Cubs seemed to finally start hitting on all cylinders against the Nationals.

Hitting only .24...

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