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Dodgers (94-52) vs. Nationals (89-57) Series Info:
Game 1: Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:05 p.m. EST (MASN2/106.7 The Fan)
Game 2: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 1:05 p.m. EST (MASN/106.7)
Game 3: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 8:08 p.m. EST (ESPN/106.7)
Pitching Matchups:
Friday: Alex Wood (14-3, 2.81 ERA) vs. Edwin Jackson (5-5, 4.14)
Saturday: Rich Hill (9-8, 3.67) vs. A.J. Cole (2-4, 4.30)
Sunday: Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-7, 3.59) vs. Stephen Strasburg (13-4, 2.64)
What to watch for:
The race for the top seed isn’t over
The Dodgers’ once impossible 15.1-game lead for the best record in the National League has shrunk down to five, giving the Nats a glimmer of hope for securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Washington already took two of three from Los Angeles in the first series between the two teams, meaning the Nationals have a chance of claiming the tiebreaker if they can do so again.
The Cleveland Indians’ 22-game winning streak has propelled them to the second best record in baseball; with record now being the determining factor for home field advantage in the World Series, their streak is something to keep an eye on as well.
Let’s freak out over Victor Robles’ small sample size
Yeah, yeah, yeah, he’s only played in five games and stepped up to the plate ten times, but when a top prospect breaks into the major leagues and immediately starts showing off his tools, there’s justification for excitement.
Victor Robles legged out an RBI triple Thursday in just 11.12 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded by a Nats player in the Statcast era.
He’s also hitting .333 (3-9) with two RBIs, two runs scored and a hit by pitch.
Put him on the postseason roster, Dusty.
Where has Rich Hill gone?
Ever since losing his no-hit bid in the tenth inning on a walk-off home run Aug. 23, Rich Hill has struggled to regain his rhythm.
Over his last three starts, Hill has allowed 10 runs in 14.2 innings (6.14 ERA) and given up three homers.
Hill hasn’t posted a scoreless outing since July 1, putting the pressure on him to get back on track and start putting some zeroes up on the scoreboard.
Who to watch out for: Justin Turner
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It’s baffling how Justin Turner isn’t at the forefront of the MVP race this season, given that he’s been the best player on the best team in baseball.
In 118 games this season, Turner’s hitting .326 with 19 home runs and a .954 OPS.
He has yet to face the Nats this year as he was injured during their last series, but the Turner/Stephen Strasburg matchup on Sunday night is going to be the highlight of the weekend.