If you just glance at the standings, the LA Dodgers Washington Nationals matchup looks like a total mismatch. On one side, you have the Dodgers—basically the Galactic Empire of baseball—with a payroll that could probably fund a small nation and a roster featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Then you have the Nationals, a team that’s been grinding through a massive rebuild since their 2019 glory days.
But honestly? This series is never as simple as it looks on paper.
Every time these two teams meet, things get strange. Whether it’s 118 mph exit velocities that defy physics or ghost-of-playoffs-past vibes from that legendary 2019 NLDS, there’s a specific kind of energy when the Nats and Dodgers square off.
The Shohei Ohtani Factor in DC
Let’s talk about April 2024 for a second. That was the moment many D.C. fans realized just how different the Dodgers are now. Shohei Ohtani stepped into the box at Nationals Park and hit a ball 118.7 mph. That wasn't just a home run; it was the hardest-hit ball in the entire league at that point in the season.
It’s kind of funny. You’d think a rebuilding team like Washington would just roll over, but they usually play the Dodgers surprisingly tough. In that same 2024 stretch, the Nats actually managed to keep games close, even when they were staring down the barrel of a Yoshinobu Yamamoto start.
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Fast forward to June 2025. Ohtani isn't just hitting anymore; he’s back on the mound. In a wild game at Dodger Stadium on June 22, 2025, Ohtani actually served as an "opener," pitching a hitless inning before moving to DH and absolutely dismantling the Nats' pitching staff. He ended up with a three-run triple and a home run in a 13-7 blowout.
Why 2019 Still Haunts Dodger Stadium
You can’t talk about the LA Dodgers Washington Nationals without bringing up the trauma of 2019. If you’re a Dodgers fan, you probably still have nightmares about Howie Kendrick.
The Dodgers had 106 wins that year. They were the juggernaut. The Nationals were the scrappy Wild Card team that "wasn't supposed to be there." Then Game 5 of the NLDS happened. Clayton Kershaw coming out of the bullpen, the back-to-back homers by Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto, and then the Kendrick grand slam in the 10th inning.
That game didn't just end a season; it changed the narrative of both franchises. It gave the Nats their first World Series and forced the Dodgers to fundamentally rethink how they managed their bullpen in October. Even now, years later, when the Nats' red jerseys show up in Chavez Ravine, the older fans in the bleachers get a little quieter.
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The 2026 Outlook: Youth vs. Experience
As we head into the 2026 season, the dynamic is shifting again. The Nationals aren't just "rebuilding" anymore; they're starting to show teeth.
Keep an eye on these names when they face LA:
- James Wood: The dude is a literal giant with massive power. He’s the kind of player who can change a game with one swing, much like Ohtani.
- MacKenzie Gore: He’s emerged as a legit lefty threat. Facing the Dodgers' right-heavy lineup is always a litmus test for him.
- CJ Abrams: He’s the engine of that offense. If he’s on base, he’s a headache for Dodgers catchers.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are under a new kind of pressure. Winning 90+ games is the floor for them. In 2025, they finished 93-69, taking the NL West again, but they’ve learned that regular-season dominance doesn't mean a thing if a young, hungry team like Washington catches them sleeping in a random June series.
What to Watch for in the Next Series
If you’re planning to bet on or just watch the next LA Dodgers Washington Nationals game, don't just look at the win-loss record. Look at the pitching matchups. The Nats have been surprisingly effective at "spoiling" the party for big-name Dodgers starters.
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- High-Velocity Battles: The Nats' young arms like Cade Cavalli and Gore throw gas. The Dodgers' hitters love fastballs, but they struggle when that velocity comes with movement.
- The "Home" Crowd: Nationals Park often turns into "Dodger Stadium East." The blue jerseys travel well, which usually creates a playoff-like atmosphere even in the middle of May.
- Late Inning Chaos: Both teams have had "adventurous" bullpens lately. No lead is safe until the 27th out is recorded.
Basically, the Dodgers are the kings, and the Nationals are the giant-killers in training. It might not be the most famous rivalry in baseball, but it’s consistently one of the most entertaining.
How to Follow the Action
The 2026 schedule has these two meeting early in April at Nationals Park. It'll be a chilly series, which usually favors the pitchers. If you're looking for tickets, aim for the third base side at Nats Park—that’s where the Dodgers fans congregate, and the energy is usually electric.
For the best experience, keep an eye on the Statcast data during the game. When guys like Ohtani or Wood are at the plate, the exit velocity numbers are genuinely staggering. It’s a different era of baseball, and these two teams are right at the center of it.
Check the local listings on SportsNet LA or MASN for the Nats' broadcast. Sometimes hearing the "homer" perspective from the DC announcers gives you a much better appreciation for how much the rest of the league loves to try and take down the Dodgers.