Dodgers starting pitcher Mitch White throws to the plate during their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Mitch White throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto grounds out during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto reacts to grounding out during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Yadiel Hernandez hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals’ Cesar Hernandez is greeted by teammates as he returns to the dugout after scoring on a single by Yadiel Hernandez during the first inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Mitch White tries to regroup after allowing two runs during the first inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the plate during their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts hits a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts hits a solo home run as Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz, left, and home plate umpire Chris Conroy watch during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts runs to first as he hits a solo home run as Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray, left, and catcher Keibert Ruiz watch during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts watches the flight of his solo home run as it clears the center field fence during the first inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles watches a ball hit by the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts go out for a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts gestures as he rounds second after hitting a solo home run as Washington Nationals shortstop Luis Garcia watches during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Bettsis greeted in the dugout after a solo home run in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux runs down a ball hit by the Washington Nationals’ Lane Thomas, but he couldn’t make the throw in time for an out during the second inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Lane Thomas steals second base before Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux can apply a late tag during the second inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers left fielder Trayce Thompson dives but can’t get to a ball hit for a triple by the Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia during the fourth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Mitch White throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers left fielder Trayce Thompson dives but can’t get to a ball hit for a triple by the Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia during the fourth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers left fielder Trayce Thompson dives but can’t get to a ball hit for a triple by the Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia during the fourth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts throws out the Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles at home during the fifth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith tags the Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles after taking a throw from right fielder Mookie Betts for the final out of the fifth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Nationals Victor Robles, #16, reacts to being tagged out at home plate for the final out during 5th inning action at Dodger Stadium Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger watches the flight of the ball on a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger gestures to the dugout as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger heads home after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger smiles as he enters the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger, center, is congratulated by teammate Trea Turner, left, and Manager Dave Roberts after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto pops out during the seventh inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia circles the bases after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run during the eighth inning against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia, right, is greeted by Josh Bell after they both scored on Garcia’s go-ahead two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia, center, is greeted by Lane Thomas, left, and Josh Bell after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia is greeted by teammates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman advances to second base as the Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia can’t come up with the ball on a throwing error from Josh Bell during the eighth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto heads to first base after being hit by a pitch during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto heads to first base after being hit by a pitch during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Cesar Hernandez lays down a sacrifice bunt to advance runners to second and third base during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner sits on the field after the Washington Nationals scored another run with a single during the ninth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto scores during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto scores a run during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Three of Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s children throw out ceremonial first pitches before their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Clayton Kershaw bobblehead night. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw chases down his son Cooper before their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Clayton Kershaw bobblehead night and the Kershaw kids threw out the first pitch. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw chases down his son Cooper during before the game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Clayton Kershaw bobblehead night and three of the Kershaw kids threw out ceremonial first pitches. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his family pose for photos before the game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Clayton Kershaw bobblehead night and three of the Kershaw kids threw out ceremonial first pitches. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias receives his 2021 Warren Spahn Award, given annually to the best left-handed pitcher in MLB, before the Dodgers’ game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A general view of the field at Dodger Stadium during the game between the Dodgers and the Washington Nationals on July 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES ― If the San Francisco Giants have the unfortunate gift of bringing out the best in the Dodgers, a team they must play 19 times this season, the Washington Nationals are doing the opposite.
For the second night in a row, the National League’s worst team exposed the weakest links in the Dodgers’ mighty arsenal. A throwing error by Gavin Lux in the eighth inning preceded a two-run homer by Luis Garcia, the decisive blow in the Dodgers’ 8-3 loss before an announced crowd of 53,302 at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers (64-32) have lost consecutive games to Washington (34-65) on the heels of eight straight wins – the last four against their historic rivals from San Francisco.
“We had some opportunities to break through and put together an inning, put up some crooked numbers, but we didn’t,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “Against teams that are below .500, I really wish I had the solution.”
The Dodgers are 3-8 this season against the Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-58). They’re 61-24 against the rest of MLB.
They were leading 3-2 after seven innings Tuesday when Roberts called in left-hander Garrett Cleavinger to face switch-hitting slugger Josh Bell. It was a curious choice on the surface.
Cleavinger had not appeared in a major league game since May 14. His last appearance for the Dodgers before that was on April 24. He was only recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier in the day, swapping spots with struggling right-hander Reyes Moronta. He said he arrived at the ballpark around 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game.
Afterward, Roberts said he was trying not to use three of his higher-leverage relief pitchers: Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia and David Price. A fourth reliever, Caleb Ferguson, pitched Monday night and hasn’t appeared in consecutive games this season – his first since recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In effect, then, the Dodgers were missing half of their bullpen.
To his credit, Cleavinger did his job against the first three batters he faced. Bell hit the first pitch he saw on a straight line to Lux. The second baseman barely moved to field the ball, then inexplicably threw wide of first baseman Freddie Freeman’s glove. Bell slid in under Freeman’s tag and Lux was credited with an error, his sixth as a second baseman this season.
“It was a throw that got away,” Roberts said. “He knows he should’ve made the play but Gavin’s played the heck out of second base for us.”
“It happens,” Cleavinger said. “I know one hundred times out of the next chances (Lux) gets, he makes that play every time. It just happens. I did my best to try and pick him up. I couldn’t finish the job, I missed one pitch and it cost us. It’s a big blow for me, not being able to get it done for these guys. It’s a tough one for me.”
Cleavinger struck out pinch hitter Nelson Cruz and Keibert Ruiz for two quick outs. Garcia, a left-handed hitter, had hit only two homers in 45 games to begin the season. Yet he turned on a hanging two-strike slider from Cleavinger and clobbered it into the right-field bleachers. Both runs were unearned by virtue of Lux’s error.
Down 4-3, Cleavinger came back for the ninth inning and allowed four more runs, all earned.
The shocking finish spoiled a strong start by Dodgers right-hander Mitch White and a near-heroic effort by Mookie Betts. Trea Turner (2 for 4) and Freddie Freeman (1 for 3) each extended their hitting streaks to 13 games, and Cody Bellinger hit his 13th home run of the season against Nats starter Josiah Gray.
After Monday’s loss to the Nationals, in which Betts went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts, Roberts remarked that Betts looked “a little out of sync.” Betts took a rare round of batting practice on the field prior to Tuesday’s rematch.
Betts announced his presence quickly. He led off the game with a home run for the 34th time in his career. Later, in right field, he threw out Victor Robles trying to score from second base on a single; his mere presence appeared to hinder the Nationals from tagging up and scoring on another fly ball.
Freeman’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning allowed Trayce Thompson to tag up and score from third base, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 lead. For White, the slimmest of margins seemed destined to stand up.
The right-hander was in command over his six innings, pitching around two early runs and nine hits. White did not walk a batter and struck out four. He rarely fell behind, going to a three-ball count on only four of the 98 pitches he threw. He never threw a pitch in a 3-and-0 count.
“I relied on the changeup early when the spin wasn’t there,” White said. “Once I found out the spin a little better, the curveball and the slider, later in the game I leaned on those.”
White said he hasn’t been informed of his role beyond this week. The Dodgers will reinstate Andrew Heaney from the injured list for Wednesday’s start, but they are not expected to keep six starters for long. There is also the looming possibility of acquiring a starting pitcher before the trade deadline next Tuesday.
For a night at least, the Dodgers’ top need was a reliever.
