After salvaging a series and snapping an 11-game (regular season) losing streak to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Los Angeles Dodgers went to Petco Park and swept the San Diego Padres. But their season-high four-game winning streak was snapped by the Washington Nationals.
The loss was the Dodgers’ third in five games started by Clayton Kershaw this season. Though he outlasted Max Scherzer by going seven innings to Scherzer’s six, the Nationals’ righty fared better in working out of trouble.
Los Angeles bounced back by getting enough of Stephen Strasburg and padding their lead against the Nationals’ subpar bullpen. Kiké Hernandez provided the first bit of insurance with a pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning.
Following the 4-0 win, Hernandez noted the Dodgers’ recent play as evidence they’re beginning to meet expectations, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“It’s a good feeling,” said Hernandez. “Not only is he an elite pitcher, but they have a great team. We didn’t get off to a great start this year, but we’re playing better now. We’re still the same team. We’re still confident. We’re getting back on track.”
Part of the Dodgers’ turnaround has been a focus on stringing together quality at-bats, which was a strength and staple of last year’s club. Manager Dave Roberts credited Justin Turner and Chase Utley for reminding the team of needing to revert back to that approach.
And though it was just one game, Kenley Jansen looked his usual self on Saturday night. Despite it being a non-save situation, Jansen’s velocity sat in the mid-90s and his command was much improved.
If the Dodgers can at last piece together strong pitching with a formidable offense, Hernandez’s claim will begin to take on more truth.
