Two Out Of Three

To borrow from the old Meatloaf classic "two out of three ain't bad." The Los Angeles Dodgers took two out of three from the National League East leading Washington Nationals in Washington, beating undefeated Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg 6-3 in the final game of the series. Justin Turner hit two homeruns off Strasburg and drove in five runs. The Dodgers started the recently recalled Julio Urias and he only lasted four innings giving up one run. Urias had only thrown one inning this month and was on a strict pitch limit. The Dodgers did use up every reliever in their bullpen and Adam Liberatore ended up getting the win and Kenley Jansen closed the door for his 28th save.

The Showdown That Wasn't

Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals ducked out of the much anticipated matchup with Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers due to "back tightness." Washington Nationals Manager Dusty Baker attributed it to "too much of a strenuous workout" a couple of days before the game. It is the first start this season that Strasburg has missed.

ESPN announcer Rick Sutcliffe took the high road and said he did not believe that Strasburg ducked the matchup versus Clayton Kershaw based on the fact that this is a long season, the Nationals want Strasburg in it for the long haul, and this is a game in the middle of June. I agree with that line of thinking but I would add that if I was Strasburg, I would look forward to facing the Dodgers much maligned offense.

Clayton Kershaw came through as advertised. He gave up one run in seven innings, struck out eight including Bryce Harper three times, and did not walk a batter. The Dodgers won 4-1 as Justin Turner stayed hot as he homered in the first inning and extended his hitting streak to eight games. Kenley Jansen came on in the ninth inning to nail down his franchise record 162nd save.