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Nats, Dodgers itching for postseason success
- Updated: October 6, 2016
WASHINGTON — Both of the clubs in this National League Division Series have had notable regular-season success in recent years. But neither team has matched that level in the postseason.
So when the Nationals and the Dodgers meet at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 PT Friday at Nationals Park in Game One of the series, televised on FS1, this will represent a golden opportunity for both teams.
Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 7 5:30 p.m. LAD @ WSH FS1 Gm 2 Oct. 8 4 p.m. LAD @ WSH FS1 Gm 3 Oct. 10 TBD WAS @ LAD FS1 / MLBN *Gm 4 Oct. 11 TBD WAS @ LAD FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 TBD LAD @ WSH FS1 *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Dodgers | Nationals • Complete Postseason coverage
The Nationals are in particular need of postseason advancement. The Nationals have yet to win a postseason series in their 12 seasons of existence. But they have been exceptional in regular-season play, winning at least 95 games in three of the last five seasons. Twice they have had the best regular season in the NL. Once they had the best regular-season record in the Major Leagues.
The Dodgers have won four straight division titles and six in the last nine seasons. But they have not been in the World Series since 1988. For a franchise of their historical standing, this drought is not Cub-like, but it is still striking.
Their regular-season records support the notion that these are talented, accomplished teams. So what has happened to them in the postseason?
In the decisive Game 5 of the 2012 Division Series against the Cardinals at Nationals Park, the Nats took a six-run lead early and were still up by two entering the ninth. Washington reliever Drew Storen gave up four runs and the Redbirds won both the game and the series.
In 2014, at home against the Giants in Game 2 after losing the opener, the Nats had a 1-0 lead with two outs in the ninth with Jordan Zimmermann, coming off a no-hitter, pitching at virtually the same level. Zimmermann, who had retired 20 batters in a row, was squeezed slightly by the home …
