Propelled by Juan Soto’s timely hitting and a costly error by Trent Grisham, the Washington Nationals overcame a two-run deficit to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Game — paving the way for another NL Division Series affair with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Game 1 of the 2019 NLDS is officially set for 5:37 p.m. PT on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. It marks the second time over the past four years in which the two teams will meet in the postseason.
While both rosters have undergone wholesale changes during that timespan, there are still a few holdovers in place for the upcoming matchup.
One of them being Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, who recalled his first postseason battle against the Dodgers. “Yeah, a few years ago, I guess different team, but a few years ago I was here and we played them,” Turner said.
“They’re obviously a good team, great starting pitching, good lineup and deep and whatnot. So it’s going to be tough. But I think if there’s a team that’s ever been ready to face some adversity, it’s this one right here.
“But to go against a good rotation over there, it’s going to be a battle, and we’re looking forward to it.”
The Dodgers and Nationals most recently squared off in the 2016 NLDS, which L.A. won in five games despite not having home-field advantage.
One of the main differences between the previous matchup and upcoming showdown is that the Dodgers are considered favorites this time around. They won an NL and franchise-best 106 games this season while the Nationals secured the top Wild Card spot.
After a slow start to the year, Washington ultimately finished second in the standings to the NL East champion Atlanta Braves. A myriad injuries plagued the club right out of the gate, which ties in to the adversity that Turner alluded to.
The Dodgers posted a 4-3 record against the Nationals during the regular season, and while both teams’ starting rotations match up well on paper, L.A. figures to hold the advantage in this department early on.
With both Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg pitching against the Brewers, the Nationals have announced that Patrick Corbin will start in Thursday’s NLDS opening contest.
The Dodgers have not yet announced who will oppose him, but one could assume Hyun-Jin Ryu and Walker Buehler are the most logical candidates given their success at Dodger Stadium this season.
