Nationals vs Dodgers predictions
Looking at the Washington Nationals heading into this three-game showdown at Dodger Stadium, a couple of names stand out. James Wood has been hot at the plate and I'm expecting him to keep swinging with confidence—he’s got the tools to collect a hit or two, maybe even sneak in an extra-base hit and drive in a few runs. CJ Abrams, showing promise near the top of the order, looks like he’s in line for a solid game as well—look for him to provide some spark with his ability to get on base and potentially swipe a bag. And if you’re watching MacKenzie Gore on the mound, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, so a handful of strikeouts and a couple runs allowed over about five or six innings seems likely in this tough matchup.
On the flip side, the Dodgers lineup is always dangerous, but a few guys are primed for big nights. Will Smith has been a batting average monster, and you just get the sense he’ll keep that trend going—a couple of hits and a chance to notch an RBI or two is completely in the cards. Shohei Ohtani remains a must-watch: his mix of power and speed means don’t be surprised if he launches one and finds himself on base multiple times. Clayton Kershaw getting the start at home? That almost always spells trouble for the opposition. I can see him putting together a vintage performance, piling up some strikeouts and going deep into the game to give L.A. a strong shot.
All things considered, while the Nationals have shown they can hang with the best, the edge here leans pretty heavily in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Between their stacked lineup, Kershaw on the mound in front of the home crowd, and the consistency we’ve seen from key bats like Smith and Ohtani, I’m predicting the Dodgers will come out on top to start this series. The Nationals could keep it close if they get a special outing from Gore or an offensive outburst, but the Dodgers’ firepower and home field advantage just seem too much to overcome this time around.
