Dodgers look to stop a losing streak before it happens

When the Dodgers take the field Saturday night against the Nationals, they’ll be looking to do something they haven’t been able to this season. Stopping a losing streak before it’s started is the task at hand.

The losses have come by the bunches in the first 18 games of 2018. The team opened with two in a row and has since seen streaks of three and four losses. The other side of that is the wins have also come in groups.

Standing in their way of breaking the cycle is Washington’s other ace, Stephen Strasburg. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.08 ERA in four starts, despite giving up four earned in two of those games.

Strasburg has only allowed 14 runs (12 earned) in seven career starts against the Dodgers.

Hyun-jin Ryu will take the ball for Los Angeles with some personal momentum on his side. After a shaky debut in Arizona earlier this month, the lefty has given up just four hits and two runs over 12 innings in his two outings since, striking out 17 and walking only one.

Keeping Pace

The Dodgers slow start matches their 2017 record at this point. Both teams sputtered through their first 18 games, posting a 8-10 record. Last year’s squad started to turn things around just two games later when Cody Bellinger was called up.

It will be a step in the right direction if they can get back in the win column Saturday.

Game info

Time: 6:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA