Nationals – Dodgers
USA - MLB
Before the Dodgers' opening game in the nation's capital, manager Dave Roberts announced that star player Mookie Betts would be sidelined for at least a few games due to a left foot injury. For most teams, losing one of the world's best players would present a significant challenge. However, Los Angeles has the luxury of having another former MVP in Freddie Freeman, who is also a contender for this year's National League Most Valuable Player Award.
Freeman led the way for the Dodgers in their 8-5 victory over the Nationals on Friday at Nationals Park. On his way to his 19th game of the season with at least three hits, Freeman achieved a new Dodgers single-season franchise record with 53 doubles, surpassing Johnny Frederick's mark that had stood since 1929.
With this win, the Dodgers reduced their magic number to clinch their 10th NL West title in 11 seasons to nine, with 22 games remaining.
In typical Freeman fashion, the record-setting double was the result of a routine hit into right-center field. However, Freeman had his eyes on a double right from the moment he left the batter's box, recognizing that Travis Blankenhorn didn't possess the strongest arm in right field.
Emmet Sheehan got the start for Los Angeles but struggled in his first game against the Nationals. Former Dodgers catcher Keibert Ruiz capitalized on Sheehan's performance in the first inning, hitting a three-run homer.
In the fifth inning, the Nationals once again got the better of Sheehan, with CJ Abrams hitting a two-run homer. Sheehan, who allowed five runs over 4 1/3 innings, is one of the young pitchers who will continue to get opportunities for the rest of the season as the Dodgers navigate their rotation options.
Freeman delivered significant hits, but the entire lineup contributed to the victory. Eight of the nine starters reached base safely at least once. The Dodgers' offense took turns against Washington's entire pitching staff before a rain delay lasting one hour and 34 minutes.
Chris Taylor, hitting leadoff for the first time this season in Betts' absence, reached base safely three times, including a two-run double that gave the Dodgers a 6-5 lead in the sixth inning. Taylor has had an inconsistent season, but he has shown promise on this road trip, going 5-for-12 with two homers and eight RBIs in three games against the Marlins and the Nationals.
J.D. Martinez, who had been sidelined since August 19 due to a groin injury, made an immediate impact with a two-run homer in the first inning against left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Max Muncy and Kiké Hernández also contributed with solo homers.
After losing the first two games of their six-game road trip, the Dodgers have bounced back impressively in their last two contests. Now, they begin the countdown until they can celebrate with champagne once again.
Miller, with a 3.80 ERA, is set to pitch the second game of the series against the Nationals. We'll see if the Dodgers can continue their winning streak despite the absence of superstar Betts.