A most unlikely NLCS

It had been a running joke online that the Washington Nationals had never won a playoff series.

The joke has finally run its course, at the expense of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts will be second & third guessed for his decision to use ace Clayton Kershaw in relief, despite Kershaw's well known postseason struggles, in the 8th inning Wednesday, a decision that ultimately cost the Dodgers, and cost them big time. Kershaw gave up back-to-back homers to Anthony Rendon & Juan Soto to tie the game, and, later, ex-Dodger Howie Kendrick, whose resume also includes stints with the Phillies & Angels, won the game with a grand slam against the Dodger bullpen, sending the Nationals to the NLCS for the first time since the franchise relocated from Montreal 14 years ago, 7-3.

But not only was the #1 seed in the NL gone, so was #2.

Third seeded St. Louis rang up 10 runs in the first inning en route to a 13-1 blowout over the Atlanta Braves, and, with the Dodgers losing, the Cardinals, who have not reached the World Series since losing to Boston 5 years ago, will have the home field for the NLCS vs. Washington.

In the nation's capital, the sports fans have something to cheer for besides the NHL's Capitals, who just started their season a week ago. The NFL's Trumpets? Fuhgeddaboutit. The NBA Wizards will begin play in two weeks.

As much as Kershaw has been a playoff choke artist, and it happened again Wednesday, the Nationals have, as a group, done the same. Perhaps letting man-child Bryce Harper leave and chase the money to Philadelphia was a blessing in disguise for the Nationals, as they're still playing, almost halfway through October, while Harper is sitting at home, counting his money while contemplating what might've been had injuries and a late season collapse not derailed the Phillies. Now, there is a hunger in DC not seen in years.

Where Washington has a distinct advantage over St. Louis is in starting pitching. Scherzer. Strasburg. Corbin. Closer Sean Doolittle, however, faded down the stretch. I can say that with certainty since the Mets torched Doolittle twice in late season series. It won't be a surprise after the postseason run ends to learn that Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman will follow Atlanta's Brian McCann into retirement. McCann made his announcement after the embarrassing loss to St. Louis, and once the Nationals' season ends, Zimmerman will likely do the same.

St. Louis doesn't have the big names on offense other than first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, formerly with Arizona, and ageless catcher Yadier Molina. Outfielder Dexter Fowler is three years removed from a World Series with Chicago, so all he & Molina need do is flash the bling to inspire their team. Marcell Ozuna is thriving since leaving Miami after the 2017 season, enjoying his first postseason.

I've seen enough of the Nationals' late inning heroics to know it's their time now. We do need some fresh blood in the World Series, after all.

Pick: Washington in 7. Of course, I could be wrong.