Dodgers, Nationals Set for Saturday Showdown After Offensive Outburst

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Fresh off a 13-run explosion, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to continue their strong start when they visit the Washington Nationals on Saturday evening at Nationals Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 81 degrees.

The Dodgers (5-2) battered Nationals pitching in the series opener Friday, winning 13-6 behind a combined three home runs from Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker and Andy Pages. Ohtani, the two-way superstar serving as designated hitter in this series, went 2 for 5 with a homer and four RBIs in the victory.

He will be a central figure again Saturday as Los Angeles sends right-hander Tyler Glasnow (0-0) to the mound for his second start of the young season. He will be opposed by Washington righty Jake Irvin (1-0), who earned a win in his first outing.

The Nationals (3-4) will counter with shortstop CJ Abrams, who matched Ohtani’s Friday output by also going 2 for 5 with a homer and four RBIs. Abrams has driven in eight runs over his last five games.

Despite Friday’s loss, Washington has shown offensive potency, scoring 13 runs in a win at Philadelphia on Monday. Containing the Dodgers’ lineup, which leads the National League in runs early this season, will be Irvin’s primary challenge.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Dodgers are projected for a 6-5 victory. Los Angeles has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 9 runs.

The three-game series concludes Sunday before the Dodgers continue their road trip in Toronto. The Nationals will host the St. Louis Cardinals next.