5 Bold Predictions for the Nationals-Cardinals NLCS

Wednesday's doubleheader of Game 5 elimination tilts in the NLDS sees baseball fans presented with an NLCS matchup that few pundits forecasted heading into the postseason.

The St. Louis Cardinals will face off against the Washington Nationals, with Game 1 set to take place on Friday night at Busch Stadium.

The fact that the NL's two top dogs were knocked off in the divisional round perfectly outlines the sheer beauty and unpredictability of playoff baseball. With that in mind, let's dive into some bold predictions for what is sure to be a captivating NLCS.

5. The Lowest Combined Score in a Game Will Be 7 Runs

Divisional Series - St Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves - Game Five / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Expect runs to be scored in this series, folks. The Nationals aren't facing off against the likes of Kershaw, Walker Buehler, or Hyun-Jin Ryu anymore. Jack Flaherty has been a beast, but the other arms in St. Louis' rotation shouldn't frighten Washington. As for the Cards, well, they are fresh off scoring 13 runs (could have been more) on the road in Atlanta. Their bats are HOT and they will continue ripping the ball in the NLCS.

4. Max Scherzer Twirls a Complete Game Shutout

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

Scherzer hasn't been his typical world-beating self thus far in the postseason, but that narrative will change in the NLCS. Assuming he isn't used out of the bullpen, which would be nuts considering the NLCS is a best of seven, the three-time Cy Young will toss a complete game shutout against St. Louis in whichever game he's slated to start.

3. Juan Soto Smacks 4 Home Runs in the Series

Divisional Series - Washington Nationals v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Five / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The 20-year-old outfielder put the world on notice by displaying his superstar talent with a stupendous showing in the NLDS against the Dodgers. He delivered a solo home run off Clayton Kershaw that tied Game 5 on Wednesday and something tells us he will continue that power surge against an inferior Cardinals rotation and bullpen.

2. Cardinals Win in 5

Divisional Series - Atlanta Braves v St Louis Cardinals - Game Four / Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Nationals finally got over the hump of winning a playoff series, but that run of fortune ends here. Heck, Washington wouldn't be here if Kershaw didn't implode and Dave Roberts displayed something other than managerial incompetence. There's just something about the Cardinals in October that makes it impossible to bet against them, even if they don't have the experience of championship-winning teams of years past.

1. Kolten Wong Wins NLCS MVP

Divisional Series - St Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves - Game Five / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Wong might not get the recognition or acclaim that the likes of Paul Goldschmidt, Marcell Ozuna, or Yadier Molina receive, but he's every bit as imperative to this Cardinals team with his bat and glove. He was only 5-for-20 (.250 average) in the NLDS, but roped three doubles and drove in four RBI for St. Louis. Wong thrives under pressure and that will prove true against the Nationals on baseball's biggest stage.