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Washington Nationals: Three Takeaways From Game 1 NLDS Loss

By Ricky Keeler

Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) strikes out against the Los Angeles Dodgers to end the game during game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. The Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) strikes out against the Los Angeles Dodgers to end the game during game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. The Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) drives in two runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning during game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Basemen Steal The Show

When I did the tale of the tape for this series, one of the positions I had trouble deciding which team had the edge was at third base. Last night, Justin Turner and Anthony Rendon both had good games for their respective clubs.

After being hit by a pitch in the first inning, Turner’s big at-bat of the night came in the third. With Corey Seager on first and two out, Turner hit a first pitch breaking ball over the wall in left for a two-run home run that put Los Angeles up 4-0.

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If it were not for a great play by Werth in the bottom of the eighth, Turner would have reached base in all four plate appearances. This season, the Dodgers third baseman beat up Nats pitching as he hit three home runs and drove in seven runs. That trend continued last night.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Rendon had the biggest hit of the night for the Washington Nationals against Kershaw. In the bottom of the third, he drew the count even and hit a slider into left field for a two-run single. Two innings later, he had another base hit to left, but was left stranded on base.

If the Washington Nationals offense is going to have success in this series, they need Rendon to deliver in the big moments. Last night, he was able to do that with his base hit and he kept the momentum going from his strong end to the season (23 RBI’s in September).

Next: Nationals Fall Short In NLDS Opener

When you look at this series, both of these third basemen are pivotal to the team’s success on offense. Last night, it Was Turner who got the big home run against Scherzer. I would expect both of these players to have a strong NLDS.

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