Clayton Kershaw is an absolute monster, the best pitcher in baseball. But the Nationals have one of the most underrated pitchers in the league going and are swinging hot bats.

Washington can keep this close if not pull the outright upset. If given 1 1/2 runs, the Nationals would be 17-3 in their last 20 games. The Dodgers would be 3-6 in Kershaw's last nine starts if laying 1 1/2 runs.

Certainly the oddsmaker believes runs will be scarce with such a low total.

Washington starter Doug Fister has not pitched up to expectations in his last two starts. However, he was 12-2 with a 1.89 ERA in 17 previous starts. He is going to be highly motivated and has an extra day of rest. The Nationals are 6-0 the past six times Fister has thrown on five days rest. Fister has a 2.91 road ERA. His quick delivery and sinkerball ways are not a good fit for the Dodgers, who have never faced him before. That's another plus for the heady Fister.

Washington is 24-14 versus lefties. They have smashed 14 homers in the last four games while playing at pitcher's parks Safeco Field in Seattle and Dodger Stadium. The Nationals led the National League in homers during August.