Washington Nationals: 5 reasons they will win their NLDS
By Ron Juckett
THE LAW FIRM
It makes the starting pitchers job easier to know any lead they have through six holds the rest of the night.
Since Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson and Brandon Kintzler arrived in Washington, the bullpen became the anchor. At 6-1, 23 saves and an ERA well under 3.00. The WHIP around 1.000 is not shabby either.
If you go back to how the Kansas City Royals won consecutive American League championships, they built a bullpen—Madson was there—that gave teams no hope after the sixth inning. Judging by early returns, the Nats have copied the formula with success.
Momentum and intangibles play a part of any short series. A bad bobble or hung pitch makes a difference. The adjustment from a regular-season marathon to a playoff sprint magnifies any errors and adds to confidence of the better team.
Washington’s 45-29 second-half record was no accident. The big three did their job.
Yes, the Cubs did it last year by experimenting while leaning heavily on rental closer Aroldis Chapman. Wade Davis is not Chapman.
In meaningful games, the “Law Firm” successfully closed Washington’s case every time out. Remember, they want this as much as you do.