Washington Nationals: Five Potential NLDS Game 5 Heroes

By Ron Juckett | Oct 13, 2016

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) celebrates with second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

SAMMY SOLIS

There are two things we know for certain about the pitching on both sides in this series. Shutdown innings are a big myth and the bullpens will be well used.

With all the left-handed hitters the Dodgers have, the emergence of Sammy Solis to shut them down is worthy of a story on its own. After missing a chunk of the second-half of the season with an injury, Solis has pitched in all four games so far.

In 4.1 innings, he scattered two walks, two hits and no runs. His effort in Game 3 earned him a win out of the bullpen behind Gio Gonzalez. Limited to 37 games this year because of that injury, the performance of Solis is a delightful surprise to the Nationals.

Not because of his performance, with a 2.41 ERA in 41 innings, but his durability. Twice this series, Dusty Baker asked for multiple innings. Solis delivered.

If Scherzer falters, or the Nationals need someone to get multiple lefties out late, Solis is the guy to do it. Strike out the right batter with runners in scoring position and be a hero forever.

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