Dodgers and Nationals Set to Face Off in Low-Scoring Affair

Pitching matchup and weather conditions point to an under in Sunday's MLB showdown

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals will square off on Sunday, April 5th at Nationals Park. The Dodgers are favored on the moneyline and run line, but the total for the game is set at just 9 runs, suggesting a low-scoring affair is expected.

Why it matters

After a high-scoring series between these two teams, the pitching matchup and weather forecast point to a potential regression to the mean in this contest. Both teams have strong pitching staffs that could bounce back and limit the offensive output.

The details

The Dodgers will send right-hander Roki Sasaki to the mound, while the Nationals will counter with left-hander Foster Griffin. Sasaki has shown flashes of dominance with his high-velocity fastball and quality cutter, while Griffin has impressed with his advanced pitching metrics in his young MLB career. Additionally, the weather conditions at Nationals Park are expected to be pitcher-friendly, with temperatures in the low 60s and a stiff breeze blowing in from right-center field.

  • The game is scheduled for a 1:35 p.m. EDT first pitch on Sunday, April 5th, 2026.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has shown the potential to be a dominant starter in the majors.

Foster Griffin

A left-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals who has impressed with his advanced pitching metrics in the early stages of his MLB career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After a sluggish start to the season, the Dodger bats woke up in D.C., slamming the Nats for 23 runs over the past 18 innings.”

— Sports Betting Expert, Author

“My hope is that Foster Griffin has some juice in his arm. The advanced pitching model metrics were favorable in his first start (104 Stuff+, 102 Location+, 106 Pitching+), with four of his pitches grading above average.”

— Sports Betting Expert, Author

What’s next

The Dodgers and Nationals will look to continue their strong starts to the 2026 MLB season, with the Dodgers aiming to maintain their momentum and the Nationals hoping to bounce back after a high-scoring series.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Dodgers and Nationals has the potential to be a low-scoring affair, with both teams' strong pitching staffs and the favorable weather conditions at Nationals Park likely to limit the offensive output.