Dodgers Fall Short in Nationals Home Opener

Veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas outduels Emmet Sheehan as Washington wins series opener

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:38pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp geometric planes in shades of blue, red, and green representing the action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the Dodgers-Nationals series opener captures the contrasting fortunes of the two teams to start the 2026 MLB season.Los Angeles Today

The Washington Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 in the teams' series opener at Nationals Park on Friday. Veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas outperformed Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan, who struggled in his first outing of the season. The Nationals' offense, led by a strong performance from their lineup, proved too much for the Dodgers, who have gotten off to a slow start at the plate this year.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams to start the 2026 MLB season. The Nationals, coming off a playoff appearance in 2025, have picked up where they left off with a balanced offensive attack. Meanwhile, the highly touted Dodgers offense has sputtered out of the gate, putting pressure on their pitching staff to keep games close.

The details

Mikolas went 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 7 Dodgers batters. Sheehan lasted just 3.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. The Nationals jumped out to an early lead with a 3-run 4th inning and held on despite a late Dodgers rally.

  • The game took place on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
  • First pitch was at 1:05 pm ET.

The players

Miles Mikolas

The veteran right-hander for the Washington Nationals, who went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs in the win.

Emmet Sheehan

The Dodgers' starting pitcher, who struggled in his first outing of the season, lasting just 3.1 innings and giving up 4 runs.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Mikolas would give us a quality start, and the offense did just enough to get the job done against a tough Dodgers team.”

— Dave Martinez, Nationals Manager

“We just couldn't get the bats going early, and Sheehan didn't have his best stuff. We'll need to regroup and come back stronger tomorrow.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The two teams will continue their series on Saturday, with the Dodgers looking to even things up before the rubber match on Sunday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the early-season struggles of the Dodgers' offense, which will need to find its rhythm if they hope to contend with the surging Nationals in the NL this year.