Washington Nationals: 5 reasons why they lose the NLDS

NERVOUS PITCHERS

We saw this last year with Tanner Roark. The pressure of pitching in a playoff game dwarfs anything you see in the regular season. The game moves at a different pace. Fans pay attention and cheer louder. Mistakes magnify quickly.

Although the starting pitchers have playoff experience until you dig in, and get the first couple outs under the belt, the butterflies are real. This is crucial for Gio Gonzalez and Roark. There will be times when things spin out of control. How the pair battle emotions and dictate the pace speaks volumes for their postseason future.

For the never-ending chess match that breaks out in the playoffs, the team that wins is the one who exploits the errors of the eventual loser. Whether it is a starter or a reliever whose stuff disappears, the faster they can control their emotions, the better Washington’s chances.

If the game crawls to a stop with runners on base that is a terrible sign. It is one thing to slow your pace but if TBS times pitch sequences then you have trouble.

Confidence played a huge part of Gonzalez’s exceptional year and Roark’s second half. If they lose it, well Wrigley Field will be overjoyed.

Watch what Jose Quintana does for the Cubs. The playoffs are new to him and the same rules apply.