As expected, Max Scherzer has been handed the ball for Game 2 as the Nationals starter in the NLCS. With Anibal Sanchez starting Game 1, Davey Martinezās decision perfectly lines the Nationals rotation for the remainder of the series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
It’s the best hand Martinez has. Scherzer pitches Game 2, allowing Stephen Strasburg, who pitched Game 5 Wednesday to get full rest for Game 3 which will be Monday.
That gives left-hander Patrick Corbin extra rest for Tuesday’s Game 4. It gives the Nationals a strong hand no matter Friday’s Game 1 result.
If the series continues, Scherzer and Strasburg will have full rest for potential Games 6 and 7 to be played Oct. 18 and 19 back in St. Louis.
Corbin could then potentially be a lefty out of the bullpen for either games.
The Nationals will need the perfectly lined situation, as the Cardinals have equally lined up their rotation. Adam Wainwright will start Game 2 against Scherzer after Miles Mikolas starts Game 1. Ace Jack Flaherty will get Game 3 to potentially go against Strasburg. And Dakota Hudson will get Game 4. With that setup Wainwright and Flaherty could get Games 6 and 7.
This will be a great series as far as studded arms on the mound. The advantage surely goes to the Nationals with Scherzer, Strasburg and Corbin.
The Nationals enter the series favorites, but it won’t be easy. Martinez understands that, and is rolling out his best arsenal.
