Washington Nationals: What To Watch For In Game 5 Of NLDS

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Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) hits a two run home run during the third 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 /

Which Bottom Of The Order Steps Up?

Coming into this series, the top four in the order was considered a strength for both of these teams. So far, that trend has held true after four games. The Dodgers top four hitters (Chase Utley, Seager, Turner, Adrian Gonzalez) are 14-for-58 (.241) with four home runs and ten RBI’s.

On the Washington Nationals side, Trea Turner, Jayson Werth, Harper, and Murphy are 22-for-59 (.373) with one home run and 11 RBI’s. When you look at these two teams, most likely somebody from the top four of these orders is going to have a good night.

When looking at a winner takes all kind of game, you want to look at somebody who might emerge from the bottom of the lineup. For the Washington Nationals, Ryan Zimmerman has gotten better swings this series and Anthony Rendon is hitting only .188, but he has a home run and four runs batted in.

As for the Dodgers, I would focus on Andrew Toles. The left fielder was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning of Game 4 and scored on the Utley single. Toles is only 1-for-7 this series, but if he gets on base, he is a threat to steal a base and one of the only Dodgers who might try to steal. Also, Joc Pederson is 3-for-12, but he’s coming off a RBI double from Game 4.

It’s always exciting to see which players are going to come up big in a Game 5 occasion besides the normal superstars. Tonight, we will see which players are going to become a part of history.

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