Wire Taps: Stand up!; Max Scherzer needs to be the Nationals' Bumgarner; Scherzer vs Clayton Kershaw preview

Here. We. Go.

Here's the news from Nationals Park.

Max Scherzer needs to be the Nats' Madison Bumgarner
The Nats will go as far as Max Scherzer can take them -- and according to Dusty Baker, Scherzer is "brave, bold, and a little bit crazy."

Yes, the Nats want you to stand and cheer during home playoff games
After 2014's infamous incidents of ushers asking fans to sit down during playoff games, it's very important to the Nats this year that you stand up. And do the "Nats Nats Nats woo! thing", as Shawn Kelley calls it.

From the Desk of Mark Lerner: Be loud, be proud
Mark Lerner sent out a message to Nats fans preceding today's game on what the protocol is for playoff cheering (hint: be loud, wear red, and stand up).

What you need to know if you're going to the game
Here's the important info the Nats want you to know.

Nationals Pulling Out All The Stops to Improve Home-Field Advantage
Rally towels? Check. Discounts? Check. Loud, loud cheering?

Daniel Murphy talks about his error in last year's World Series
What he learned: "Catch the ball."

Dave Roberts and Dusty Baker the first African-American managers to match up in the playoffs
With national media attention on D.C. and L.A., the two hope that the matchup will motivate other organizations to hire African-American managers.

Scherzer vs Kershaw Preview
The two last matched up in September of 2008

Livan Hernandez won't throw out the first pitch due to Hurricane Matthew
Livo won't make it, so a "special guest" will throw out the first pitch. (Rumors are flying that Wilson Ramos may make an appearance).-- and 4 Cy Youngs later, the two will match up again, with much higher stakes.

Today's Game: Dodgers vs Nationals - 5:38 PM (FS1, WJFK, ESPN Radio)
Probable Pitchers: Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 1.69 ERA) vs Max Scherzer (20-7, 2.96 ERA)