3 Bold Predictions for Dodgers-Nationals Game 5

The Washington Nationals continue to make magic happen against the juggernaut that is the Los Angeles Dodgers, and are now just one game away from finally heading to the NLCS for the first time since they were the Montreal Expos in 1981. However, a great many challenges stand in their way, as the Dodgers have all the ingredients to make Wednesday night an instant classic. Here's what could go down when the lights shine brightest.

3. Stephen Strasburg Gives Up Four Runs

Wild Card Round - Milwaukee Brewers v Washington Nationals / Rob Carr/Getty Images

Strasburg, who would be an ace on virtually every other team in the NL, has already established himself as one of the best postseason pitchers in the game today, posting a sparkling 0.64 ERA to this point. As dominant as he is and has been, keeping his ERA that low is going to be nearly impossible. Justin Turner (who has already homered twice) and the Dodgers have likely learned from their last matchup against Strasburg, and will try to chase him early.

2. Dodgers Bullpen Wastes a Brilliant Walker Buehler Start

Divisional Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Washington Nationals - Game Four / Rob Carr/Getty Images

Buehler proved once more in Game 1 that he has the stuff and the stones to be a lights out pitcher in the postseason, but he could see another gem wasted, thanks to a scattershot Dodgers bullpen. Kenley Jansen's decline is still ongoing, while the likes of Pedro Baez, Yimi Garcia, and a deteriorating-to-April-form Joe Kelly aren't likely to scare the likes of Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon. Even if Buehler departs with a lead, nothing is safe once this group takes over.

1. Cody Bellinger Walk-Off Wins it for LA

Divisional Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Washington Nationals - Game Three / Will Newton/Getty Images

Big time players make big time plays in big time games, and what better opportunity for the expected 2019 NL MVP to make his presence in this series known? Bellinger is just 3-for-15 in this series, but something tells me he has one of his trademark moonshots in the chamber tonight. If the bullpen can bend, but not break, and the Dodgers get Strasburg out of the game early, look for No. 35 to send everybody home with a timeless October moment.