5 reasons the Nationals will win the World Series regardless who they face

3. The bullpen has settled down

The struggles of the Nationals to build a competent bullpen have been well documented. At no point in their run of playoff contention has the team fielded anything more than an average ‘pen and has often ranked among the worst in the league. This year was no different, with the depth issue further compounded by All-Star closer Sean Doolittle‘s struggles with injury and inconsistency.

It was clear in the Wild Card game and NLDS that manager Dave Martinez had little-to-no faith in his bullpen. He used starters in relief on short rest and it nearly cost him the series. That wouldn’t really be an option for Martinez in the longer NLCS, so his bullpen would have to find a way to step up and get the job done.

Mission accomplished.

Nationals relievers allowed just a single run and three hits in nine innings against the Cardinals with eight strikeouts and one walk. Doolittle looked strong, pitching in three games and logging four innings with only one run allowed. Daniel Hudson was back from paternity leave to save two games, while Tanner Rainey rebounded from a poor NLDS with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts.

If Martinez can confidently rely on Hudson, Doolittle and Rainey in the World Series, the Nationals will be fine. Their starting pitching allows them to avoid the constant bullpen maneuvering that has become a routine part of playoff baseball. With three good relievers, the Nationals can make this work.