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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 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) hits a double against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

It would have been very easy to pick the Dodgers in game one. Clayton Kershaw is probably the most dominant pitcher of today’s game. However, with the news of a fully healthy Daniel Murphy returning, I’m going with the Nats. As of now, it even appears Murphy is a full go to play second base. Game one will be a very tight and fast paced game. In the end, the hopeful Cy Young award winner -Max Scherzer will trump Kershaw. The atmosphere in the Nation’s Capital will be electric.

We still don’t know who is taking the mound in what order between Tanner Roark and Gio

Gonzalez. That alone makes it hard to pick games two and three. Gio has been a rollercoaster during the regular season. I’m not sure how he will perform in such an electric atmosphere. Dusty Baker may elect to start Gio in game three versus Kenta Maeda. If so, I like Roark to pull the upset in game two versus Rich Hill. After all, the entire place will be rocking after Drake and Adam LaRoche throw out the first pitch in game two.

F.P. Santangelo may blow a fuse after the Laroche’s take the mound.

If the bats of the Washington Nationals get hot, it could be a three game sweep. Daniel Murphy is back and Bryce Harper comes alive during the postseason. Those two bats behind the phenomenon Trea Turner, gives the Nats a very solid potential to make a run.

As for the series, I’ve got the Nats advancing in four games.

Finally, co-editor Ricky Keeler talks about how the bullpens playing a factor, but the pick may surprise you

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