Nationals Swept By Dodgers
At first glance, the Washington Nationals appeared to have a golden opportunity to get back into a rhythm and gain ground in the competitive NL East they hosted the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers. However, things went south very quickly.
The Nationals started the series on Friday night picking up right where they left off against the New York Yankees-with a rainout and the game being postponed for Saturday afternoon. This unfortunately was a sign of things to come this weekend.
Saturday afternoon, the Nationals played a full game for the first time in six days-and the rust was evident. Washington was only able to muster 1 run against Dodgers starter Ross Stripling, and were completely shut down by the Los Angeles bullpen in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. To make matters worse, Howie Kendrick would be carted off the field during the eighth inning. Kendrick would later be evaluated and revealed to have a ruptured achilles
Saturday evening started out as more of the same-with the Nationals being held hitless for the first five innings against the same Dodgers bullpen as starter Rich Hill left due to injury after just two pitches. However, fate seemed to turn in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Nationals not only got their first hit on a deep leadoff double by Trea Turner, but the bats exploded for four runs on the strength of a double by Mark Reynolds, a 2 RBI single by Matt Adams, and Max Scherzer even pitching in for an RBI single of his own. Nationals led 4-2 heading into the late innings. However, the Dodgers would rally with a solo home run by Cody Bellinger in the top of the eighth to cut the Nats lead to 4-3 going into the ninth. It was here that Matt Kemp hit a 2 run RBI double which would prove to be the game winner as the Nationals fall 5-4 and thus get swept in the doubleheader to complete an all-around frustrating day.
Sunday Stephen Strasburg took the mound as the Nationals looked to salvage the final game of the series. For the third time in as many games, the Dodgers struck first in this one on a solo home run by Yasmani Grandal to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead after two innings. This time, the Nationals proved to have an answer with a two run home run by Trea Turner to give Washington a 2-1 lead headed into the middle innings. However, the Dodgers would have an answer for this too in the form of a two run blast of their own by Enrique Hernandez to give the Dodgers a 3-2 lead, which they would tack onto and win 7-2. completing the three game sweep. A frustrating weekend for the Nationals results in their getting swept for the second time this season-with both series in which this has happened being played at Nationals Park. The Nationals also saw their four series win streak come to an end.
The Nationals will conclude their homestand this week with a three game series against the San Diego Padres
