Washington Nationals’ lineup for NLDS Game 3 with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Trea Turner talked after the Washington Nationals’ 6-0 loss in Game 1 of the NLDS with the Los Angeles Dodgers about trying to get loose and enjoy the stage the Nationals are on in the postseason since they fought so hard to get where they are right now.

“Right now I think we’re trying a little too hard,” Turner said. “I think just have a little more fun and continue doing what we’re doing.

“I think we put together good at bats, we’re just trying to do a little too much.”

Turner started Game 2 against the Dodgers with a double off Clayton Kershaw, and went 2 for 5 in what ended up a 4-2 win, leaving him 4 for 13 with two doubles and a home run so far in the postseason.

The Nationals’ win on Friday night evened things up in the Division Series, and as he’d said the previous night, Turner reiterated that while it was a big deal to get a win on the road, it wasn’t do or die or a must-win game.

“For me it’s you’re either in an elimination game or you got time,” Turner said. “So I’m big [on] ‘focus on what’s in front of you.’ If we lost today we still got a chance and that’s all that I care about. I think that our team’s kind of taken on that role as well, if we start off terrible, doesn’t mean we’re out, we are here now. So until there’s an elimination game I don’t think it’s a must-win.”

Turner did, however, say that he liked how the Nationals bounced back after getting shut out in the series opener, and the way they played overall in the second game in LA.

“Everybody wants to win,” Turner told reporters. “Everybody wants to contribute. But just have fun, enjoy each other and kind of look around and embrace where you’re at.

“Obviously runs on the board helps with that and we put up some runs early and I think we obviously had a little bit more fun winning today.”

Turner also talked about how important it is for him to simply get on base so that his speed and even the threat of a stolen base can put pressure on the opposing team.

“If the base is there, steal it,” he said.

“If not, put the pressure on. I think situations are different, I try to calculate all that. But take pride in it and that’s why I want to be on base, I think I put that pressure on them.”

Another win tonight would put plenty of pressure on the Dodgers...

HERE’S THE NATIONALS’ LINEUP FOR NLDS GAME 3 WITH THE DODGERS:

NOTES: Victor Robles tweaked his hamstring running out a bunt in Friday night’s game, and manager Davey Martinez told reporters afterwards that they hadn’t diagnosed anything at that point, but he was day-to-day. Michael A. Taylor’s in center tonight. More information on the extent of the injury when it’s available...