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The Dodgers go 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and strand seven runners on base, as they fall to the Nationals, 6-1. The series is now tied at two games a piece, and a winner-take-all game 5 will be played at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.
Justin Turner hit a solo home run in the first inning, and that was the lone offense of the night for LA. Over the course of the final eight innings, they’d have only four hits.
Opportunities were wasted, as the Dodgers had multiple chances to put more runs on the board. Corey Seager led off the second with a double, but couldn’t even be advanced over to third.
Two innings later, Cody Bellinger led off the inning with a single and stole second, putting him at second with no outs. Yet again, the Dodgers offense went quiet, as the next three batters got out.
LA’s biggest chance came in the seventh inning, when they loaded the base with one out against Max Scherzer. Chris Taylor battled, putting together a great at bat, but struck out swinging on eight pitches. Joc Pederson followed, as he was inches away from what likely would have been a bases-clearing double. Instead, he grounded out, and the Dodgers were held scoreless yet again.
Rich Hill made the start for LA, but failed to make it through three innings. He threw 2 2⁄3 innings, allowing a run while walking four. Luckily for him, Kenta Maeda was able to limit the damage, and keep the game tied.
Things fell apart in the fifth, when the Nationals put up four runs. Anthony Rendon brought in Trea Turner with a single, giving them the 2-1 lead. With two outs and two runners on, the Dodgers turned to Pedro Baez. On an 0-1 pitch, Ryan Zimmerman connected for a three-run homer, putting the Nats ahead 5-1.
Monday particulars
WP: Max Scherzer (1-0) 7 IP, 7 SO, 3 BB
LP: Julio Urias (0-1) 2⁄3 IP, 3 ER
Up next
The Dodgers will look to advance to their fourth consecutive NLCS on Wednesday. Walker Buehler will get the start for LA, where the Nats will counter with Stephen Straburg. First pitch is at 5:37 p.m. PT.