On Wednesday evening both the Cardinals and Nationals won their respective series in the NLDS, giving them the right to face off for the NL pennant and a spot in the World Series. Here is a short preview to get you ready for Game 1 tonight!
What got them to this point?
St. Louis Cardinals- After overtaking the NL Central in the final month of the season, St. Louis faced a red-hot Atlanta Braves squad lead by the young core of SS Dansby Swanson, LF Ronald Acuna Jr., and 2B Ozzie Albies. The #2 seeded Braves pushed the #3 seeded Cardinals to a 5 game series. Although the deciding game was played in Atlanta, the Cards put up an 11 run 1st inning to secure a 13-1 and a trip to the NLCs.
Washington Nationals- Comebacks. That’s the one word that can correctly define the Nationals’ 2019 playoff run. After coming back in the eighth inning to score three runs and defeat the Brewers in the NL wild card game, they moved onto the NLDS, where they got a dangerous opponent in the Dodgers. It was indeed a challenge, as the series also went to five games. The Nats had to beat the Dodgers twice in both game four and five in order to advance. Game five was the craziest as Washington scored four runs in the top of the tenth innning to take the win (and the series) in dramatic fashion.
Where will the games be?
Games 1, 2- St. Louis
Games 3,4,5*- Washington
Games 6*,7*- St. Louis
*If necessary
Who will be key players to keep an eye on ?
Washington IF Anthony Rendon- A three hit ballgame in game five to extend his playoff hits total to seven, helped propel the Nationals past the Dodgers. Rendon’s hot hitting should continue in the NLCS, even against the Cardinals excellent pitching staff.
St. Louis P Jack Flaherty- In the decisive game five against Atlanta, Flaherty threw six innings, striking out eight while allowing just one run. He contributed on offense too, walking once, and came around to score. He is sure to challenge a great Nationals team on the mound in the NLCS.
My pick: Nationals force it to five games, but the Cardinals' bats are too much for their bullpen. Cardinals win the the pennant.
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