Los Angeles Dodgers' Will Smith is hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Tonight, the Nationals are back in action as they host the Dodgers, who are seeking payback after last week’s series in Los Angeles. This week presents a chance for the Nationals to achieve something they haven’t managed since 2014: winning the season series against the Dodgers.
Over the past decade, the Nationals have struggled against the Dodgers, going 0-6-2 in season series since their 4-2 victory in 2014. Their matchups in 2017 and 2022 ended in a tie, while they didn’t face off in the shortened 2020 season due to pandemic restrictions. Overall, the Nationals hold a 15-35 record against the Dodgers since 2014.
In addition to the anticipation of the series, this week marks Shohei Ohtani’s first visit to Washington D.C. Despite his impressive performance against the Nationals in previous games, primarily as a member of the Angels or Dodgers, there’s excitement surrounding his presence.
Moving on from the upcoming games, let’s reflect on observations from the first month of the season:
- CJ Abrams has been a standout player, showcasing All-Star level performance. Compared to last year’s struggles, his current form, especially with six home runs already, bodes well for him and the team.
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A key focus for the Nationals this year is getting value from offseason acquisitions. Jesse Winker’s strong performance stands out, positioning him as a valuable trade asset.
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While the bullpen has faced challenges, Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey have been solid performers, demonstrating dominance in their roles.
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Mitchell Parker has made an exceptional start to his major league career, impressing with his pitching prowess and control, a marked improvement from his previous struggles with walks.
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Off the field, the addition of a ping pong table in the clubhouse has garnered attention and is proving popular among players. Additionally, support for the local hockey team, the Capitals, is evident in the clubhouse, highlighting the camaraderie between the two organizations.
As the Nationals prepare for their series against the Dodgers and the Capitals continue their playoff journey, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation within the clubhouse.
