The Washington Nationals are back in the postseason following a disappointing exit in 2012 and a lost season in 2013. When they take the field Friday, they'll be staring across the field at a San Francisco Giants team that knows little about postseason disappointment, but shares in their hunger after a down season. Given San Francisco's recent postseason success, it's probably a best-case and worst-case scenario for an opening round opponent. On one hand, the Nats getting past the wild-card-winning Giants should silence concerns about a postseason letdown right away and take some pressure off Washington heading into the NLCS. On the other hand, nobody has been able to get past San Francisco in its last six postseason series. It's not a fun assignment, nor is it an easy one. Washington did dominate the season series, which sets a good tone, but those wins don't carry over. They'll need to resume clicking in all phases of the game to advance, and that really begins and ends with superior starting pitching. If it holds up, Washington is second to no one in the NL. If not, the door is open for the postseason's ultimate opportunists. SCHEDULE Game 1: Friday, Oct. 3, in Washington, 3:07...