MLB Playoffs 2014: TV Schedule and Last-Minute Game 3 Predictions for NLDS

Monday's Game 3 doubleheader in the National League Division Series could see a second wild-card team sweep a pennant winner.

After the Kansas City Royals blanked the Los Angeles Angels to pull within four wins of a World Series berth, the San Francisco Giants have that same opportunity against the Washington Nationals.

In the second game of postseason action, the St. Louis Cardinals will seek to break a 1-1 series gridlock with the Los Angeles Dodgers by hosting them at Busch Stadium. It took some serious heroics from Dodgers star Matt Kemp to keep his team from falling into a 0-2 hole:

Here is a closer look at Monday's critical matchups, where to catch them on TV and predictions as to how they will unfold.

Matchup	Time (ET)	TV
Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants	5:07 p.m.	MLB Network
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals	9:07 p.m.	Fox Sports 1

Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Bouncing back from one of the most devastating losses in postseason history will be a tall task for the Nationals. They were one out away from pulling even in the series, but 18 innings later Washington is now on the brink of elimination.

Nationals manager Matt Williams yanked Jordan Zimmermann with a one-run lead and two outs in the ninth of Game 2 and defended his series-altering decision to the media:

"

I kicked myself on that. That's human nature. You kick yourself any time it doesn't work. However, you have to put your guys in position to do their jobs and what they do. So that being said, I don't have a problem with it. It didn't work out. But we've got our best guy who is the closer coming in to pick up the guy that just gave us all he had for 8 2-3rds.

"

But that could wind up being the point of no return, leaving Washington fans pondering endless "what if" scenarios. Based on the stellar record of Giants manager Bruce Bochy, the writing may already be on the wall in this leg of the NLDS.

Elias Sports Bureau brings up just how exceptional Bochy has been coaching San Francisco in the playoffs:

Madison Bumgarner, who won the Wild Card Game for the Giants, gets the start. He's had considerable success versus the Nationals, per ESPN's Jayson Stark:

With how quiet Washington's bats were in Game 2, it doesn't look promising for the hitting to pick up at AT&T Park. Look for Bumgarner to shut down an opponent he's owned lately and for San Francisco to continue its promising course for a third World Series title in as many even-numbered years.

Prediction: Giants 4, Nationals 2

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

Both games in this series have been decided by one run, so it couldn't be more even. That trend ought to continue Monday.

A compelling pitching duel will take place between Dodgers stalwart Hyun-Jin Ryu and seasoned Cardinals veteran John Lackey. It appears the senior Lackey is eager to take the mound, per MLB:

In 16 career postseason starts, Lackey has a 3.03 ERA and a 6-5 record. As long as he gets run support, he will be able to back up his words. The nerves will be a little edgier from Ryu as he makes just his third career playoff start.

The Cardinals' official Twitter account brings up a pertinent stat:

That stout 51-30 record at home, along with Lackey's prowess on the mound, will help St. Louis overcome its mismatched batting order, which was just 23rd in runs scored in the regular season.

L.A. will make a comeback push once Lackey leaves the hill but will fall just a bit short. However, the loss will serve as a motivating factor to help the club force a Game 5 back home at Dodger Stadium.

The smaller, five-game format has created a lot of unpredictability in both leagues' Division Series. This Dodgers team is too loaded on the pitching staff and with hitters to bow out in four games. Even with a tough loss Monday, they will find a way to push the NLDS to the limit, with Clayton Kershaw likely to get the ball soon enough and look to redeem his Game 1 losing decision.

Prediction: Cardinals 6, Dodgers 5