MLB Playoff Schedule 2014: Updated ALCS, NLDS Bracket, Day 6 Predictions

The National League Division Series continues on Tuesday night with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants both one victory away from the next round. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals seek to force a deciding Game 5.

On the other side, the American League Championship Series is already set. The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals will battle for a spot in the World Series after sweeping their respective ALDS matchups in impressive fashion.

Even though both AL series moved swiftly, there still has been plenty of drama in the postseason. Let's check out how both brackets are shaping up, followed by a preview and predictions for the two NL games on the Day 6 slate.

American League Bracket

Wild Card	ALDS	ALCS
	(1) Los Angeles Angels 0
Kansas City Royals 1	(WC) Kansas City Royals 3	(WC) Kansas City Royals
Oakland Athletics 0		(2) Baltimore Orioles
	(2) Baltimore Orioles 3
	(3) Detroit Tigers 0

National League Bracket

Wild Card	NLDS	NLCS
	(1) Washington Nationals 1
Pittsburgh Pirates 0	(WC) San Francisco Giants 2	TBD
San Francisco Giants 1		TBD
	(2) Los Angeles Dodgers 1
	(3) St. Louis Cardinals 2

Day 6 Predictions

Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

This series has highlighted the volatility of the MLB playoffs. A game featuring Clayton Kershaw and Adam Wainwright finished 10-9 in favor of the Cardinals. The teams have split the two games that followed in low-scoring duels.

It all comes down to which team executes better. Their regular-season records and star power have little impact at this stage. That's why well-rounded teams like the Cardinals and Giants seem to enjoy so much playoff success while high-upside groups like the Los Angeles Angels have been sent packing.

Despite that poor Game 1 start, the Dodgers are going back to Kershaw on short rest with their backs against the wall. Although there's always some risk when breaking a pitcher's routine, ESPN Stats & Info notes it hasn't bothered the L.A. ace:

The Cardinals will counter with Shelby Miller. The 23-year-old right-hander has enjoyed a solid start to his career with a 3.33 ERA over 69 appearances. He hasn't been able to replicate that success against the Dodgers, however. In five games (three starts), he sports a 6.57 ERA and 1.86 WHIP.

Given the contrast in Kershaw's numbers on short rest and Miller against the Dodgers, along with the difficultly level of crushing the league's best pitching twice in a row, it's hard to pick against Los Angeles here. The Cardinals will deserve a major tip of the cap if they pull it off.

Prediction: Dodgers 4, Cardinals 1

Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Neither team in this series has scored more than four runs in a game. It's been what everybody expects from playoff baseball—terrific pitching that forces clutch hitting to win. The Giants are experienced playing those type of tight games. The on-the-rise Nationals are still learning to handle key moments.

It helps when your starting pitcher delivers a gem. That was the case in Game 3, as Doug Fister delivered seven shutout innings to keep Washington alive. Bill Ladson of MLB.com passed along comments from manager Matt Williams, who knows there's a lot of work left to do.

"We find ourselves in the same position we were in today," he said. "If we lose tomorrow, then it's all over. So, you know, we're in the same spot."

The good news for the Nats is that they hold the pitching edge again, at least on paper. Gio Gonzalez (3.57 ERA, 3.03 FIP, per FanGraphs) will go up against Ryan Vogelsong (4.00 ERA, 3.85 FIP), who also holds a 6.16 ERA in nine appearances against Washington.

With neither team being able to string hits together in the series, it's likely to become another closely contested clash. The Giants know heading back to Washington with the momentum resting squarely in favor of the Nationals would probably spell doom.

The difference could very well be Denard Span. He finally got back on track with two hits in Game 3. If he's able to get on base consistently atop the Nats order, the offensive edge should shift in their favor and send the series back home.

Prediction: Nationals 3, Giants 2