NLDS Game 3: Nationals overpower Dodgers to take series lead

Jayson Werth celebrates with Anthony Rendon after scoring on a single by Bryce Harper during NLDS Game 3.

The Washington Nationals took control of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning Game 3 at Dodger Stadium 8-3. That puts them one win away from their first NLCS appearance since moving to Washington in 2005.

The Nationals overpowered Dodgers pitching on the strength of two big innings. Washington scored four in the third inning, capped by Anthony Rendon’s two-run homer. Holding a tenuous one-run into the ninth inning, they erupted for four more against Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, who was greeted and clearly rattled by Jayson Werth’s mammoth home run.

Like they did in Game 2 on Sunday, the Nationals were supported by a sturdy bullpen. Four Nationals relievers combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. The Dodgers mustered just two hits against them and are now on the verge of losing their third straight NLDS.

 

• The top of Washington’s lineup was quite productive. Trea Turner, Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon combined for six hits, four walks, five RBIs, seven runs scored and five homers, including Jayson Werth’s insurance blast in the ninth. Only Daniel Murphy went hitless among the first five, but he did walk and provided some excellent defense.

• Hat tip to the Nationals bullpen, which once again dominated after difficult circumstances. They’ve been leaned on heavily this series and have continued answering the call.

• Corey Seager continued providing some first-inning thunder for Los Angeles. For the third straight game, he staked the Dodgers to a 1-0 lead. The first two games it came via home runs. This time it was a double off the wall to score Justin Turner. On the downside, Seager is (hitless otherwise)

 

• On a day the Dodgers desperately needed a lengthy and productive start from Kenta Maeda, they got the exact opposite. Maeda lasted just three innings, allowing four runs on five hits, two walks and one hit batter. After loading the bases in the first inning, he bounced back to strike out Ryan Zimmerman. Otherwise, it may have been an even shorter afternoon.

• Gio Gonzalez did marginally better, logging 4 1/3 innings. It was his game to win after Washington staked him a 4-1 lead. He just couldn’t navigate the Dodgers lineup the second time through and was knocked out by Carlos Ruiz’s pinch-hit homer.

• Danny Espinosa has had an interesting series so far. Though not in a good way for him mentally or physically. Through three games, he’s 0-for-7 with six strikeouts. He’s also reached base three times, with all three coming on a hit-by-pitch.

 

It doesn’t get much bigger than Rendon’s home run. With that said, Jayson Werth also had a pair of big hits that drove their win. His run-scoring double in the third tied the game and ultimately opened the flood gates to the four-run rally. Washington threatened in a couple other innings but didn’t score again until the ninth, when Werth added a solo homer. In one spot, he helped maximize a crucial rally. In the other, he added critical insurance.

 

Will either team get a quality start? Max Scherzer came the closest in a losing effort in Game 1, allowing four runs over six innings. Tanner Roark and Gio Gonzalez each lasted 4 1/3 innings, which is far from ideal. As for the Dodgers, Maeda’s outing was the worst of their three so far, but not by a lot. Clayton Kershaw lasted five innings in their series-opening victory, allowing three runs. Rich Hill followed up by allowing four run over 4 2/3 innings in Game 2. Needless to say, it’s already been a taxing series for both bullpens.

Nationals starters combined to last 14 2/3 innings in three games. Dodgers starters have combined to last 12 1/3.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 10, 2016

The never-ending pitching changes also means never-ending games. This series has not been the model for pace of play advocates.

Nationals/Dodgers is the first postseason series where each of the first 3 games lasted 3:45 or longer (regardless of extra innings or not)

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 10, 2016

It’s do-or-die time for the Dodgers as they enter Game 4 on the brink of elimination. Because of Saturday’s rainout, manager Dave Roberts insisted he wouldn’t use Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday as to not overwork both Kershaw and Rich Hill. It’ll be interesting to see if that changes now. As it stands right now, Julio Urias (5-2, 3.39) will get the ball against a Nationals starter to be determined.