Nationals Aim for Historic Sweep Against Dodgers in Series Finale

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Nationals have a chance to achieve a monumental feat this afternoon as they face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a series finale at Nationals Park. A win would not only complete a three-game sweep but also mark a five-game winning streak for the Nationals, lifting their record to .500 ahead of a challenging 10-game road trip.

The last time the Nationals swept the Dodgers was in August 2008, a long wait for a franchise looking to capitalize on their recent momentum. The Nats are coming off two consecutive victories and are eager to continue their upward trajectory.

“Five days ago, we were 1-6, and now we’re ready to take on a tough schedule,” said manager Dave Martinez. “It shows the character of this team and our ability to bounce back.”

The Nationals will look to maintain their offensive firepower against Los Angeles right-hander Landon Knack. CJ Abrams returns to the lineup after missing two games, while Keibert Ruiz will start behind the plate for the 11th time this season. Alex Call, who has been on a hitting streak, secures his spot with a fifth consecutive start.

On the mound, Jake Irvin will take the hill for Washington, aiming to redeem himself after a disappointing performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he allowed four runs in five innings.

“I need to go deeper into the game today,” said Irvin. “I wasn’t pleased with my last outing, and I’m motivated to turn things around.”

The Nationals’ bullpen, which faced challenges earlier in the season, now appears to be in better shape, with Jose A. Ferrer, Jorge López, and Kyle Finnegan available if the game remains close.

As the Nats strive for victory, they carry a 4-6 record into today’s matchup, eager to secure a second series win of the week. A strong performance from their starting pitchers has contributed to their recent success, with an ERA of 3.64 among starters in this early season.

The Dodgers, currently holding a 6-4 record, are dealing with their own injury setbacks. They will start Knack in place of the injured David Price, making for an intriguing matchup.

This matchup promises to be an exciting one, with the Nats hoping to make their mark. Fans can tune in to the game at 4:05 p.m. EDT, broadcast on MASN and available on MLB.com.