It was all setting up for a Hollywood-esque ending for Anthony Rendon in his first game back with the Nationals.
The 24-year-old infielder, who made his long-awaited 2015 debut Thursday night after months rehabbing from knee and oblique injuries, stood at the plate in bottom of the ninth inning with two on and two out with his team trailing 2-1 to the Chicago Cubs. The man who led the Nats in extra-base hits in 2014 was just one big knock away from sending the fans who braved the nearly two-hour delayed start to the game home happy.
But at the plate is where he would stay, as the rally ended with Craig Robinson getting picked off at first base, handing the Nats their sixth loss in seven games.