The National League wildcard game produced none of the drama of its American League counterpart. San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner twirled a complete game shutout in front of a Pittsburgh audience that was loud, but unable to rouse the Pirates' lineup. The Giants move on to face the top-seeded Washington Nationals, which is were the NLDS Preview will begin.
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals
The Nationals are healthy, which is often a deciding factor in playoff series between teams of similar talent. The Nationals have a rotation that can compete with any in the sport. Stephen Strasburg will get the ball in Game 1, but an argument can be made that Jordan Zimmermann, who tossed a no-hitter in his final regular season start, was their best hurler in 2014.
Outfielder Bryce Harper didn't have the MVP-caliber season many predicted, but the lineup overall was highly productive. Keep an eye out for infielder Anthony Rendon, who has quietly been Washington's best player this year.
The Giants are less healthy. They're missing their catalyst, outfielder Angel Pagan, and won't have Bumgarner on the hill until Game 3. The offense was less potent over the course of the season than Washington's and their rotation was inferior. Do not be too influenced by the Giants slamming the Pirates-they do not stack up vs. Washington.
Prediction: Nationals in 4.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have the most ferocious Top 2 starters in the playoffs-Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. They also have a lineup dotted with star players like Yasiel Puig, Hanley Ramirez and Adrian Gonzalez.
Top-to-bottom, however, the Cardinals' lineup is deeper than L.A.'s. And when Kershaw toes the rubber for Game 1, the Cardinals will be sending a formidable pitcher as well-Adam Wainwright.
St. Louis has the bullpen edge as well, with flamethrowers Trevor Rosenthal (closer) and Carlos Martinez mixing in with different types of left-handed arms. The Dodgers have Kenley Jansen to shut the door on a lead, but outside of him and Brandon League, the bullpen arms do not stack up.
Prediction: Dodgers in 5.
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