Some people likely thought the Dodgers wouldn't lose three straight all season, but that's on the line tonight. Having played three straight close games, the Nats' bullpen is very taxed with All-Star closer Kyle Finnegan having pitched three in a row, so no way he's available. His two primary setup men are in doubt for the same reason. And the pen will be needed plenty today behind Brad Lord in his first career start -- as an opener. Wish -1 was an option ...

The Nationals have won three in a row and Kyle Finnegan has picked up the save in each of those games. I find it very hard to believe he would work a 4th day in a row, which is a big loss for a Nats bullpen that's struggled so far with an ERA over six. The Dodgers bullpen should be fully rested and the offense nearly came back last night after being down 6-2 in the 8th inning, so I think the bats click in this one. Two young and unproven starting pitchers, lots of variance; I'll back the Dodgers to use all nine of their at bats to put a bunch of runs on the board and win by at least two.

Justin Wrobleski vs. Brad Lord. This is an interesting matchup between two spot starters. However, I give the Dodgers a big edge even with the unproven Wrobleski on the mound. The young lefty did start six games last season and looked good in spring training. The key for me is Washington has been awful against left-handed pitching early in the year. They're hitting just .210 with 43 strikeouts in 105 at-bats. Lord hasn't pitched over one inning yet this season and now faces a Dodgers lineup that is coming off two straight losses. I expect LA to get to Lord early and make the Nats turn to their suspect bullpen with an ERA of 6.42. I'll lay it with the Dodgers for a half unit.

Maybe I am just a glutton for punishment but the Dodgers have lost 3 in a row and I don't expect it to reach a fourth game, with the Nats going with an opener who might have 40 pitches in him at most. Dodgers have flirted with wild comebacks in each of the last two games and Ohtani has been suspiciously quiet. It's a little cold for them in Philly and DC, I suppose, but for this price I have to keep riding them. They are too good.