2014 MLB playoffs schedule: Dodgers will host NL Central winner in NLDS

The Los Angeles Dodgers will come up short in their bid to finish with the best record in the National League -- the Nationals made sure of that when they defeated the Marlins on Friday, clinching the top spot on the senior circuit -- but the National League West champions have secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and will open the NLDS at home against the winner of the NL Central.

The Cardinals have a one-game lead on the Pirates in the Central with three games to play, though both are assured of a playoff spot. The Cardinals take on the Diamondbacks in their remaining games, while the Pirates will play the Reds. St. Louis’ magic number is three.

One of those two teams will head to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers on Friday Oct. 3, as the first two games of the NLDS will take place in Chavez Ravine.

Here is the NLDS schedule:

Game 1: Friday, Oct. 4 in Los Angeles
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 5 in Los Angeles
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 7 in Pittsburgh or St. Louis
Game 4*: Tuesday, Oct. 8 in Pittsburgh or St. Louis
Game 5*: Thursday, Oct. 9 in Los Angeles

*if necessary

The NLDS will be televised by Fox Sports 1 or MLB Network.

Presumptive NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 of the NLDS for the Dodgers, with Zack Greinke set to start Game 2, and Hyun-Jin Ryu for Game 3 if he is healthy. Kershaw finished 2014 with a 21-3 record and a 1.77 ERA in 27 starts for Los Angeles.

“He’s had a tremendous year, he’s been incredible. He should get a lot of consideration,” said manager Don Mattingly per Eric Stephen of True Blue LA. “To me he’s the MVP but I don’t get a vote.”

The Dodgers finished 2014 winning only two of seven games versus Pittsburgh, including three of four at home. They experienced better luck against the Cardinals, going 4-3 in the season series. They preferred home cooking there, as L.A. took three of four games at Chavez Ravine.