The set-up: St. Louis posted a 5-2 record vs. the Nats this year. But I think that Washington's Anibal Sanchez is the correct all in this matchup. The home side counters with Miles Mikolas.
The pitchers: Sanchez held the hard-hitting Dodgers to one run over five innings in his team's Game 3 win in the NLDS. Note that over 48.1 innings of playoff work Sanchez has a 2.98 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.
Mikolas conceded just one run over five innings to the Braves in his Game 1 start. Note that he has a 2-2 record and a 4.95 ERA in 26 career innings vs. the Nationals.
The pick: The Nats were 2-1 at Chavez Ravine and I think they continue their success on the road to open this series as well. Addtionally note that St. Louis is a poor 1-5 in its last six vs. right-handed starters, while Washington is a sharp 8-1 in its last nine vs. right-handed starters. I like Sanchez to continue his stellar play and for the surging visitors to pull off the slight upset in Game 1.
10* BONANZA on the Nationals.