Fansided

NLDS Game 2 between Dodgers and Nationals is all about the pitching

By Sean Sears

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals jokes with Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning of game one of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals jokes with Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning of game one of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning in the National League Wild Card game at Nationals Park on October 1, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning in the National League Wild Card game at Nationals Park on October 1, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

3. How long can Stephen Strasburg go?

Only the Baltimore Orioles had a worse bullpen ERA than Washington this season and the group had another letdown in Game 1, allowing four runs off five hits in just two innings of work. The Nationals have pushed their starts to go deeper into games out of necessity this season, currently ranking 2nd in innings pitched, to try and limit their bullpen’s impact on the game.

It worked to get Washington into the postseason, but after having to use Stephen Strasburg in the NL Wild Card, the Nationals can’t assume they’ll get a six-inning start from Strasburg. However, the 30-year-old right-hander told manager Dave Martinez he wanted to start Game 2, and the Nationals are confident he can give them a strong performance.

For the Nationals sake, Strasburg better last at least five innings Friday otherwise it will be up to the bullpen to limit a Dodgers offense that leads the National League in home runs.

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