Dodgers Dugout: Breaking down the Game 3 loss to the Nationals

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell, hoping today is not the last day of Dodger season.

Breaking down Game 3

--This season is beginning to look an awful lot like the last three seasons.

--At the time I am writing this, there is still no word on who will start for the Dodgers in Game 4 today. I’d go with Julio Urias and save Clayton Kershaw for a potential Game 5. Why? Because I think you have a better chance winning with Urias in Game 4 than Hill in Game 5.

--Maybe Carlos Ruiz should have gotten the start in Game 3 instead of Yasmani Grandal.

--Kenley Jansen sure picked a heck of a time to have his worst outing.

--If you missed it, the Giants won last night, so today’s Dodgers game starts at 2 p.m. PT.

--Kenta Maeda had an ERA over four the last two months of the season. That’s the Maeda that showed up yesterday too.

--Again, the Washington bullpen shut down the Dodgers, giving up only two hits and one walk in 4 2/3 innings.

--The Nationals were three for eight with runners in scoring position. The Dodgers were 0 for 4.

--The only starter hitting above .250 for the Dodgers is Justin Turner (.500).

--I have a bad feeling about today’s game. I hope I’m wrong.

--If you are stuck someplace and can’t watch the game, consider following our live coverage of every Dodgers playoff game. You can see them at www.latimes.com/sports.

The rest of the schedule

Game 4: Today, Washington (TBA) at Dodgers (TBA), 2 p.m. TV: FS1

Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, Dodgers (TBA) at Washington (TBA) 2 p.m. (5 p.m. if only one NLDS game). TV: FS1

In case you missed it

What our great crew of Los Angeles Times reporters are saying about the Dodgers:

It has to be Clayton Kershaw in Game 4, but it’s a shame it has to be that way

Dodgers’ failures at the plate sends fans scurrying for the exits

A look at today’s Game 4 matchup

What others are saying

Do the Dodgers need an October hero?

Dodgers face their biggest pitching decision of the season

Experience is paying off for Nationals’ offense

And finally

Vin Scully recites the “Field of Dreams” speech. Watch and listen.

Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me and follow me on Twitter: @latimeshouston