LOS ANGELES — In a game that showcased the resilience of the defending National League West champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers overcame an early deficit to defeat the Washington Nationals 6-5 on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

The victory, powered by a three-run homer from Tommy Edman in the seventh inning, moved the Dodgers to 85-57 while the Nationals dropped to 67-77 with their third straight loss.

Dodgers Overcome Early Nationals Lead

The contest began as a pitcher’s duel that quickly shifted momentum multiple times. Washington starter Cade Cavalli, who entered the game with a 12-5 record and 3.12 ERA, had a rocky first inning. The Dodgers jumped on him early when Freddie Freeman was hit by a pitch, Mookie Betts singled, and Teoscar Hernández delivered a two-out RBI single. Hunter Feduccia followed with a run-scoring single of his own, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 lead.

But Cavalli settled down impressively after that turbulent opening frame. The right-hander retired 15 of the final 16 batters he faced, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out eight over six strong innings.

The Nationals chipped away at the deficit starting in the second inning when CJ Abrams scored on a sacrifice fly from José Tena. Washington then seized control in the fourth inning with a two-run rally. Former Dodger Keibert Ruiz, playing his first game since being hit in the mask by a foul ball Wednesday, delivered an RBI single against his old team. Dylan Crews followed with a run-scoring double to push the Nationals ahead 3-2.

Edman’s Heroics in Seventh Inning

Washington extended its lead to 4-2 in the seventh when Daylen Lile lined an RBI double off Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia (2-1). But the Dodgers’ response was immediate and decisive.

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh and facing Nationals reliever Clayton Beeter (5-5), Alex Freeland drew a walk and Kiké Hernández singled to left field. Edman stepped to the plate, occupying the leadoff spot in place of the injured Shohei Ohtani, and hammered a 2-1 slider into the right-field pavilion for his sixth home run of the season. The three-run blast vaulted Los Angeles ahead 5-4.

The Dodgers added an insurance run in the eighth when Alex Call was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, making it 6-4.

Nationals Fall Short in Ninth

Los Angeles closer Tanner Scott entered in the ninth to protect the two-run cushion and secure his 21st save. Lile pulled Washington within one on an RBI single, but Scott retired the final hitter on a soft contact out to preserve the win.

“The guys never quit,” Edman said after the game. “We knew we had to step up with Shohei out, and everyone contributed tonight.”

Impact of Ohtani’s Absence

The Dodgers played their third consecutive game without two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who remains sidelined with a sore left knee and sore right biceps. The team reconfigured its lineup, inserting Edman in the leadoff spot and moving Hernández to the designated hitter role. The adjustment paid immediate dividends as both players delivered crucial hits.

Ohtani remains uncertain for Sunday’s series finale, with a potential move to the injured list still possible.

Key Performances

Tommy Edman (LAD): 1-for-4, 3 RBI, game-winning three-run HR

Cade Cavalli (WSH): 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 8 K, stellar outing after shaky start

Dylan Crews (WSH): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run scored

Daylen Lile (WSH): 2-for-5, 2 RBI

Teoscar Hernández (LAD): 1-for-4, 1 RBI, replaced Ohtani at DH

Keibert Ruiz (WSH): 2-for-3, 1 RBI against his former club

Box Score Highlights

The Nationals collected 10 hits on the night while the Dodgers managed 10 hits of their own. Tyler Glasnow started for Los Angeles, allowing four runs over six-plus innings in a no-decision. Alex Vesia earned the victory, while Clayton Beeter took the loss.

The attendance of 52,785 witnessed the thrilling comeback, with the game lasting 2 hours and 53 minutes under cloudy 85°F conditions at Dodger Stadium.

Looking Ahead

The series concludes Sunday night with Nationals left-hander Andrew Alvarez (2-6, 3.47 ERA) facing Dodgers lefty Justin Wrobleski (11-5, 3.65 ERA). The Dodgers will look to complete the sweep while the Nationals aim to snap their three-game losing streak.