Irvin vs. Dodgers: Nats Hope to End Slump
- Los Angeles will host a pitching matchup Saturday night as Jake Irvin and the Washington Nationals face Dustin may and the Dodgers.
- On April 17,2024,Irvin pitched six scoreless innings against the Dodgers,marking his first of 10 wins last season.
- The Nationals are struggling, having lost 12 of their last 13 games, including Friday's 6-5 defeat to the Dodgers.
Jake Irvin takes the mound to battle the Dodgers, as the Nationals desperately seek to break their losing streak.Irvin eyes a return to form, replicating his past success against Los Angeles, a must-win scenario. The dodgers’ Dustin May is also geared up for a strong performance, backed by a potent offense. The Nationals hope to see offensive sparks from the likes of Rosario, Adams, and Abrams, however, history suggests that this won’t be an easy game for the Nationals. In a season where every game counts,the outcome of this Irvin and May pitching duel could provide a pivotal shift in the Nationals’ momentum. For insightful coverage on the strategic dynamics, News Directory 3 has the deep dive you need. Discover what’s next for these teams heading into Sunday’s game.
Irvin, May Set for Pitching Duel as Nationals Face Dodgers
Updated June 21, 2025
Los Angeles will host a pitching matchup Saturday night as Jake Irvin and the Washington Nationals face Dustin may and the Dodgers. Irvin hopes to recapture his earlier form against Los Angeles, while May looks to build on his recent win.
On April 17,2024,Irvin pitched six scoreless innings against the Dodgers,marking his first of 10 wins last season. This year, Irvin (5-3, 4.23 ERA) is aiming to rediscover the dominance he displayed on May 24 against the San Francisco Giants, where he pitched eight scoreless innings. However, in his four starts since then, he has a 6.86 ERA.
The Nationals are struggling, having lost 12 of their last 13 games, including Friday’s 6-5 defeat to the Dodgers. A strong outing from Irvin could provide a much-needed boost. In that Friday game, Amed Rosario, Riley Adams, and CJ Abrams homered for Washington.
Dustin May (4-4, 4.46 ERA) will take the mound for the Dodgers,seeking his second win in four starts. May’s sole career appearance against the Nationals occurred in April, where he allowed three runs (one earned) in six innings but still suffered the loss.
the dodgers’ offense will be key. Andy Pages,who hit two home runs Tuesday against San Diego,now has 15 for the season. In friday’s game, Pages had two hits and an RBI, while Enrique Hernandez had two hits and two runs, and Miguel Rojas contributed a two-run home run.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez praised James Wood‘s potential, despite his 0-for-5 performance Friday. “Every time he gets up there, I really feel like he’s got a chance to hit a ball 100 miles an hour or plus,” martinez said. “What I love, though, is that he’s taking his walks, which is great. If he continues to do that, then sky’s the limit for him. He’s gotta accept his walks, and when he does and gets the ball in the zone, he hits it hard.”
Rojas expressed his satisfaction with his performance: “I know it’s a long season, and you’re going to receive more opportunities to contribute,” Rojas said. “It’s nice to finaly get one game like this where you feel part of it, and not just defensively or anything like that, but doing what you’re supposed to do against left-handed pitching.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will return after serving a one-game suspension.
What’s next
The Nationals and Dodgers will conclude their three-game series on Sunday, with both teams looking to gain momentum as they head further into the season.