Beginning a three-game series on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers and host Washington Nationals find themselves at intriguing points in their respective seasons. While the Dodgers boast a victory over the New York Mets, their recent 3-6 homestand, including two losses to the Nationals last week, has them searching for solutions. However, manager Dave Roberts remains upbeat, highlighting their latest dominant performance.
Despite their recent setbacks, the Dodgers continue to radiate a relaxed atmosphere. Shohei Ohtani playfully teased Roberts about the Dodgers’ franchise career home run record for Japanese-born players. Roberts, an Okinawa native, holds the record with seven home runs in 302 games, while Ohtani has five after his recent home run.
In contrast, the Nationals have won three of their last four games to sit just below .500 (10-11). Third baseman Nick Senzel expressed their determination to win every game or, at the very least, secure series victories.
The Nationals have exhibited balanced offense, with Senzel becoming the tenth player on the team to hit a home run this season and CJ Abrams showcasing impressive power, registering 13 extra-base hits in 18 games. Manager Dave Martinez lauded Abrams’ improved pitch selection and aggressiveness.
Patrick Corbin (0-3, 8.06 ERA), the Nationals’ left-hander, will aim to redeem himself after a loss to the Dodgers last week, where he allowed five runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings. The Dodgers won that game 6-2, with Enrique Hernandez hitting a home run off Corbin.
James Paxton (2-0, 2.81 ERA), a left-hander, will start for the Dodgers. He did not face the Nationals last week but has faced them twice in his career, posting a record of 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA.
