John Matthews
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — For the Washington Nationals tonight, it’s a case of “win or go home.”

For Nats fans taking Metro to the game, it’s a case of “go home early no matter what.”

Metrorail will not be changing its hours Thursday night, and will almost certainly close before the end of the Nationals’ decisive Game Five of their National League Divisional Series against the Chicago Cubs.

Under Metro’s existing schedule, the last northbound train will leave the Navy Yard station at 11:02 pm, while the last southbound train leaves at 11:48 pm. With the first pitch not scheduled until 8:08 pm, there is little to no chance the game will be over by the time those trains have come and gone.

The Nationals issued an advisory encouraging fans to consider alternate forms of transportation, including biking to the game or taking a baseball ferry boat to Alexandria. Fans can also opt to take cabs or pay surge pricing for Uber rides.

In addition, the DC Circulator will be offering extended service. More information is available HERE.

What the Nationals have NOT done is pay for Metro to stay open to accommodate the late game. The team would have to pay $100,000 an hour to ensure that service for fans.

Last season, Metro refused to stay open late during the playoffs, citing the need to keep its Safetrack program on schedule.  That led to unhappy fans leading chants in the stands before a national TV audience.

Hey @wmata here’s a “Metro sucks” chant at @Nationals Park. pic.twitter.com/SB04amJFqB

— Ryan Kearney (@rkearney) October 14, 2016

If the Nationals beat the Cubs tonight and advance to the National League Championship Series, all three home games would fall during the week, and the situation could potentially repeat itself, depending on what time the games are scheduled opposite the American League Championship Series between the Yankees and Astros.

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