Washington Nationals: Five Potential NLDS Game 5 Heroes

In the biggest game in Washington Nationals history, who will be the one player called a hero? Here are five potential ones.

The Washington Nationals have reached the limit of their National League Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

There is nothing more nerve-wracking in sports as a do-or-die game. A win sends the Nationals to their first NL Championship Series ever and the first for the franchise since the Montreal Expos did it in 1981.

In any series, somehow, some way, there is a player that becomes a new hero. Who would have thought Jose Lobaton’s dramatic home run in Game 2 would be a game-winner? Or Danny Espinosa breaking out of his slump in Game 4 that shoved Clayton Kershaw out of the game. (Yes, they lost.)

Any of the 25 players on the roster can be that difference in Game 5, even Joe Ross if the game goes well into extra innings. When the season is on the line, anything can happen.

A few years ago, Major League Baseball ran playoff promotions with the tag line, “You can’t script October.” Corny, for sure, but correct. Although we think of Max Scherzer or Bryce Harper as the most likely player to lead the positive headlines with a win, it could be Pedro Severino  or Stephen Drew just as easily. You never know.

With all the added pressure of trying to advance at home in Game 5, you hope for a game devoid of drama. Not going to happen, but one can hope.

As you try to enjoy Game 5 tonight, here are five players we think can become heroes, outside the enormous stars, and etch their name forever into Washington Nationals lore.