With the Los Angeles Dodgers taking Game 1 of the National League Division Series, the Washington Nationals now need at least one win in the next two meetings to avoid their season coming to an end.
Should the 2019 NLDS matchup not conclude with a sweep by the Dodgers, Game 4 at Nationals Park is set for 3:40 p.m. An earlier start was possible had there only been three games for Monday, but that changed when the Atlanta Brave evened their NLDS with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Meanwhile, if the Dodgers and Nationals play to a Game 5, that’s scheduled for a 5:07 p.m. PT or 5:37 p.m. start time on Wednesday. Like with Game 4, first pitch at Dodger Stadium would hinge on the number of games being played that day.
If the Dodgers and Nationals are the only remaining DS still going, they would receive the earlier start time.
With Clayton Kershaw and Stephen Strasburg starting opposite one another Friday night, Game 3 probables are Hyun-Jin Ryu and Max Scherzer. The Dodgers officially named Ryu their starter for the third game of the NLDS, while the Nationals thus far have only said Scherzer is likely to go.
Although outcomes could change matters, Rich Hill and Anibal Sanchez are slated to duel in a potential Game 4. Walker Buehler presumably would start a possible Game 5, and Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he would hand the ball to Patrick Corbin in that scenario.
The Dodgers are looking to accomplish the rare feat of winning the World Series after suffering two consecutive defeats. Their 6-0 win on Thursday marked a fourth consecutive playoff opener L.A. has won, their 20th shutout in postseason play and fourth in the NLDS.
Complete 2019 NLDS schedule with available start times and TV information
Game 1: Dodgers 6, Nationals 0
Game 2: Friday, Oct. 4, Dodger Stadium, 6:37 p.m. PT (TBS)
Game 3: Sunday, Oct. 6, Nationals Park, 4:45 p.m. (TBS)
Game 4*: Monday, Oct. 7, Nationals Park, 2:15 p.m. or 3:40 p.m. (TBS)
Game 5*: Wednesday, Oct. 9, Dodger Stadium, 5:07 p.m. or 5:37 p.m. (TBS)
*if necessary