What Is 2017 National League Division Series

Overview

The 2017 National League Division Series (NLDS) marked the opening round of Major League Baseball’s National League postseason. Four teams competed in two best-of-five series to determine who would advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

This year's NLDS featured a mix of dominant performances and dramatic finishes, showcasing elite pitching, clutch hitting, and high-stakes drama. The matchups were determined by regular season records and seeding after the Wild Card Game.

• The Los Angeles Dodgers earned the NL West title with a 104–58 record, securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks won the NL Wild Card Game and faced the Dodgers in the first NLDS matchup.
• The Chicago Cubs, defending World Series champions, finished 92–70 and hosted the Washington Nationals.
• The Washington Nationals posted a franchise-best 97–65 record but lost in Game 5 at Wrigley Field.
• The NLDS format uses a 2-2-1 structure, with higher seeds hosting Games 1, 2, and 5.

Matchups and Results

The NLDS featured two distinct storylines: one of dominance and one of resilience. The Dodgers overwhelmed the Diamondbacks, while the Cubs and Nationals played one of the most memorable Game 5s in recent memory.

• Series: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks – The Dodgers swept the series 3–0, outscoring Arizona 20–7.
• Game 1 (Oct. 6): Dodgers won 9–5 at Dodger Stadium behind home runs from Justin Turner and Chris Taylor.
• Game 2 (Oct. 7): Dodgers won 8–1 as Rich Hill pitched six strong innings.
• Game 3 (Oct. 9): Dodgers completed the sweep with a 3–1 victory in Arizona.
• Series: Cubs vs. Nationals – The Cubs won 3–2 after a tense Game 5 on October 13.
• Game 5 (Oct. 13): Anthony Rizzo scored on a walk-off single by Cody Bellinger in the 9th inning.
• Stephen Strasburg started for Washington in Game 5 but was pulled after 5.2 innings despite a 4–3 lead.

Comparison at a Glance

The two NLDS series differed significantly in competitiveness and scoring trends. Here's how they compared:

Despite the sweep in one series, both matchups featured high-quality pitching and timely hitting. The Cubs–Nationals series was particularly notable for its back-and-forth momentum and late-inning drama, while the Dodgers–Diamondbacks series highlighted Los Angeles’ postseason readiness. Both series set the stage for an intense NLCS.

Why It Matters

The 2017 NLDS had lasting implications for team legacies, player development, and postseason strategy. It underscored the importance of depth, bullpen management, and clutch performance under pressure.

• The Dodgers' sweep reinforced their status as World Series favorites heading into the NLCS.
• The Cubs’ Game 5 win extended their postseason resilience as defending champions.
• The Nationals’ loss intensified scrutiny over managerial decisions, especially in Game 5.
• Young players like Cody Bellinger gained critical experience that shaped future roles.
• The series highlighted the value of home-field advantage, with all home teams victorious.
• Attendance across NLDS games averaged 47,000 fans per game, reflecting strong fan engagement.

Ultimately, the 2017 NLDS served as a pivotal chapter in MLB’s postseason narrative, setting up a dramatic NLCS between the Cubs and Dodgers. The outcomes influenced offseason moves, player contracts, and long-term team strategies for years to come.