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

By Ricky Keeler

Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws 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
Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws 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 /
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Washington Nationals
Oct 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mark Melancon (43) celebrates after their win over the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction

Before this series, I was the only writer on the site who picked the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the series. However, I am going to reverse my pick for this game.

With the Washington Nationals winning Game 3, they get the advantage of saving their ace for a pivotal Game 5. It’s tough to see Max Scherzer having two bad starts in a row since it usually doesn’t happen during the regular season.

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Early in this game, I think the Washington Nationals will work the pitch count up against Hill and make Dave Roberts use more of the bullpen than he would want to. The key will be can Bryce Harper continue to take pitches and make an impact in one of his at-bats.

Roberts has done an excellent job managing this series for the Dodgers, but this might be the game where the experience of Dusty Baker pays off. As I wrote yesterday, this is a game the Washington Nationals need to win as a franchise. Unlike 2012, they now have a closer they can trust with the ball in the ninth inning in Melancon.

Next: Why The Franchise Needs A Win In Game 5

Behind Scherzer and another big game from Daniel Murphy in an elimination game, I like the Washington Nationals to win Game 5 and advance to their first NLCS in team history against the Chicago Cubs.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 5 Los Angeles Dodgers 3

 

 

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