Justin Turner broke up a scoreless tie with a two-run home run off Max Scherzer in the third inning, but it was a throwing error that factored into the Los Angeles Dodgers squandering their lead in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Nationals.
The Dodgers bullpen was handed a 2-0 lead after Walker Buehler went seven shutout innings, complete with seven strikeouts in what was his best start of the season. Buehler outdueled Max Scherzer and was on the verge of improving to 5-0 in eight starts.
Pedro Baez allowed a leadoff single to Wilmer Difo in the eighth, then induced pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick into a one-hopper hit right at Turner. His throw to second base in attempt to start a double play went to the left of Kiké Hernandez and carried into right field.
Turner took responsibility for his error and simply chalked it up to a throw getting away from him, via SportsNet LA:
“I went back and looked at it. My feet were under me, I was under control, it just sailed on me a little bit. I mean, I guess I could’ve taken an extra shuffle or two and let Kiké get to the bag, but it just kind of sailed on me.”
There was some initial thought Turner may have been feeling the effects of being hit by a pitch in his right forearm, but he ruled out the possibility.
After the miscue left runners at the corners, Adam Eaton’s sacrifice bunt moved Kendrick into scoring position. Baez then walked Victor Robles to load the bases and bring in Scott Alexander. He inexplicably threw one elevated pitch after another, leading to an RBI single.
Dylan Floro took over for Alexander and was one strike away from getting the Dodgers out of the jam, only to surrender a game-winning grand slam to Gerardo Parra. The win was the Nationals’ second in three games against the Dodgers, and a stunning turn of fortune considering they entered the series having lost four in a row.
Turner and the Dodgers have regularly proven they are capable of quickly turning the page, and that will be needed Sunday as the four-game series concludes with an afternoon matchup.
