Dodgers can't stop Dunn

The Dodgers were facing a pitcher making his first big league start, and a defense that committed three errors on the night. It didn't matter, as Adam Dunn's two homers led the way, and the Nationals took this one, 5-1.

Playing without Manny Ramirez, who was placed on the 15-day DL earlier in the day with a strained calf, the offense never could get going. When they did put men on, they were left on base over and over, which is never a recipe for success.

The bad news started in the first, as Nyjer Morgan led off with a triple to left. Adam Kennedy scored him right away with a single, and it was 1-0.

The Dodgers got it back in the fourth. A double by James Loney, a single by Ronnie Belliard, and an intentional walk to Blake DeWitt brought up A.J. Ellis with one down. He put the ball in play on an 0-2 count, and scored Loney on a groundout.

Dunn hit his first of two homers in the bottom of the fourth, an absolute bomb to right. Seriously, it hit off the bottom part of the upper deck. He would add his second one in the sixth, this time a two-run blast to make it 4-1.

Like I said before, the Nationals committed three errors, but they never had to pay for it. It was just one of those nights at the plate for the Dodgers. It's unrealistic to expect them to pound the ball every single night. They have been for the most part, but not tonight.

Charlie Haeger got his third start, and it was a mixed bag. Actually, it was more on the negative side after looking at his numbers: 5 1/3 innings, five hits, four runs (three earned), two walks, three strikeouts. I wouldn't say he was that bad, but obviously the long balls by Dunn killed him.

Then there's Ramon Ortiz, who for some reason or another continues to find himself in games. And, once again, he was terrible. He went 2 1/3 innings and only gave up a run. But, don't be fooled. He gave up four walks, including walking the bases loaded in the eighth. He just got lucky and got a pop-up, a forceout at home, and Willy Harris wandering off of first base for no reason and getting picked off.

I'm just baffled as to why Ortiz keeps getting the call. The guy has a 6.94 ERA in nine appearances. And the Dodgers wanted him over Jon Link? I just don't get it. There must be something going on that I'm not aware of, because this makes no sense.

Clayton Kershaw will try to get the Dodgers back on the winning track by going on Saturday afternoon. He's gotten a little better in each of his three starts, so hopefully that will continue.