NLDS Schedule 2013: Dates, TV Info and Series Predictions

This year's National League playoffs are as wide open as it has been in years. Any of the five teams remaining can represent the league in the World Series.

Unlike in the American League, there was little confusion as to who would be playing in the postseason on this side of the bracket. While it took until the end of the season to decide the overall standings, each squad knew for some time that it would be part of the playoffs.

Now it will be up to the clubs to refocus their energy on making big plays from here on out. The St. Louis Cardinals are the hottest team of the group after winning six in a row, but anyone can steal the momentum in a hurry.

No matter who wins, you can almost guarantee that both series will be highly competitive and every game will be important. To keep you from missing any of the action, follow along with this guide to the upcoming round of baseball.

*Watch postseason baseball live on TBS.com or your mobile device.

Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

This series will come down to the Braves offense and whether it can score consistently. The team finished fifth in the majors with 181 home runs this season, but it also ranked 20th in baseball with a .249 batting average.

With this much reliance on the long ball, the squad could have serious problems against the elite pitching on the Dodgers.

Clayton Kershaw was arguably the best starter in baseball this season, while Zach Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu were great as well. If they can keep the ball away from the middle of the plate, the Braves will have a hard time getting runs on the board.

Conversely, the Dodgers lineup is filled with quality hitters who hit for a high average, including Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig. Any of these players would be more trustworthy to get a hit in a key situation than almost anyone from Atlanta except Freddie Freeman.

This will be a close series, but Los Angeles has been more consistent over the past two-thirds of the year and should advance in this series.

Prediction: Dodgers win 3-2

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates/Cincinnati Reds

The three NL Central teams will continue to battle as they have all year, but this time it will be for a spot in the NLCS.

In the Wild Card Game, the Pirates have the clear advantage while playing at home in the biggest game ever to take place at PNC Park. The fans will be as excited as possible, and it will help starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, who has a 1.47 ERA at home.

However, Pittsburgh does not necessarily match up well with the Cardinals if they were to advance to the NLDS.

Behind Andrew McCutchen, the rest of the lineup is full of inconsistent players who often struggle to get on base. On the other side of the field, St. Louis has five players that rank among the top 14 in the league in batting average.

With experienced playoff performers like Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina, nerves will not be an issue like it might be with the Pirates.

The biggest advantage Pittsburgh has in this matchup is in the bullpen, but the squad might not get a chance to utilize this strength while trailing for most of the series.

Prediction: Cardinals win 3-1

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