The Washington Nationals have had a surprising road to their first World Series appearance in franchise history, where they have ousted both the Dodgers and Cardinals.
Coming into 2019 the expectations for the Nationals were not high especially after the departure of Bryce Harper, but they are National League Champions. The Nationals found a way to beat the Dodgers in five games of the NLDS. On paper, the Dodgers seemed to have an advantage over the Nationals.
The Nationals upset the Dodgers as their offense found ways to get the big hit in big moments. Then in the National League Championship Series, they swept the Cardinals in four games in convincing fashion. The lineup looked good all throughout the postseason. The Dodgers and Cardinals had a hard time hitting against the Nationals pitching staff.
Their postseason success has been backed by the play of veteran players. Max Scherzer has 1.80 ERA in 20 innings and he has been as advertised in the postseason. Anibal Sanchez has been a good surprise with a 0.71 ERA in 12.2 innings, he has looked more like the pitcher he was a few seasons back. Howie Kendrick as being the star of the postseason with 9 RBI’s and 5 extra-base hits.
There were many who didn’t think the Nationals would reach the postseason let alone the World Series. In the postseason they have looked like a different team who are playing with a chip on their shoulder. It is reminiscent of the 2007 Colorado Rockies team and their surprise runs to the World Series.
The Nationals have been one of the hottest teams in the postseason and they hope to keep the momentum going. Who would have guessed that the Nationals would be in the World Series in 2019? Now they await their opponent, it will be a fun World Series.
