The Washington Nationals will try to win their first playoff series since moving from Montreal, when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight in Game 5 of the NLDS. Max Scherzer will get the call for the Nationals and the 20-game winner will try to redeem himself, after giving up 4 runs on 5 hits in a loss in Game 1 to Kershaw and company. The lefty, Rich Hill, is expected to take the mound for Los Angeles but it’s not confirmed and there is a slight chance Julio Urías could get the start. Hill was battered by the Nationals in Game 2, yielding 4 runs on 6 hits over 4-1/3 innings, resulting in a Dodgers’ loss. Washington is 5-1 in Scherzer’s last 6 starts against the National League West and 5-1 in his last 6 home starts. On the flip side, the Dodgers are 0-4 in Hill’s last 4 starts and the Nationals are 4-1 in their last 5 home games against southpaws. With Scherzer on the bump and the home crowd behind them, I give the edge to Washington. The Nationals should get their first playoff series win since leaving Montreal.
Tonight’s pick:
Washington Nationals