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Washington Nationals: Predictions For Dodgers-Nats NLDS

By Ricky Keeler

Jul 21, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andrew Toles (60) beats the throw to Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) at third base during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andrew Toles (60) beats the throw to Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) at third base during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Sep 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a three run homer against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

The Nationals had a great regular season, and are once again in the playoffs for the third time in the past five years. If they want to beat the Dodgers and move on to the NLCS, the biggest key for them in this series is the reigning NL MVP, Bryce Harper, getting back on track.

The Washington Nationals have been able to stay afloat and have success all season, without Harper being the player we all know he is capable off. In the playoffs this will be a different story. The pitching the Nationals will be facing will be much improved, and with the injury to Wilson Ramos, the Nationals are going to need Harper to produce even more. In 2014 Harper carried the team in their series vs the San Francisco Giants. If he can get back to playing the way he did during that series, there is no question this team can be a serious World Series contender.

My prediction for the series is the Nationals win in 4 games and move on to the NLCS. I believe that Max Scherzer will out duel Clayton Kershaw in game one, and give the Nationals the early momentum in the series. I also believe that Gio Gonzalez will have a stellar outing in game three, and Trea Turner and Bryce Harper will carry the team offensively.

Batting third in our predictions is Matt Weyrich, who talks about Gio Gonzalez as the X-Factor:

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