The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Washington Nationals 5-3 in a game where they got a vintage win when they needed it most.
The Dodgers had a good night on offense, getting five hits and four walks, good for nine base runners. While this isn't the most they have had recently, their run-scoring ratio was much better.
With runners in scoring position, they went 2-for-9 and left just five runners on base. Dodger fans who have seen the offense recently know this is much better than the norm.
Kyle Tucker had a home run at Dodger Stadium, his first since July, while Mookie Betts put together a two-hit game.
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker (23) hits a home run and is greeted by outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Additionally, Teoscar Hernandez continues to deliver competitive at-bats, going 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk.
It wasn't a total beatdown from the offense, but this is exactly the template the Dodgers need to follow in the postseason, and it's been a while since this kind of hitting was on display.
Snell had seven strikeouts, four hard hits, and four hits allowed, along with a walk in a shutout six-inning start.
His ERA is at 0.93 since coming from the injured list, and he looks like the best pitcher on the roster right now.
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) shakes hands with catcher Will Smith (16) during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The biggest criticism is his efficiency, which could be much better, but six scoreless innings is exactly what the Dodgers need from him in the postseason.
His stuff looks elite and unhittable at times, which will also play in the postseason.
The curveball and changeup had more horizontal break than this season's average by a couple of inches, and his fastball had some more movement as well.
Once again, Snell is poised to be an X-factor for the Dodgers, and he will need to be this good if the offense does not get out of second or third gear.
