Full Breakdown
Mookie Betts' Late Three-Run Homer Powers Dodgers Past Nationals
9/7/2026, 11:59:23 AM
Game Summary
On September 6, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied from a 5-4 deficit in the eighth inning to defeat the Washington Nationals 7-5 at Uniqlo Field. With two outs, Mookie Betts singled a 1-0 fastball from left-hander Will Dion into left-field seats for his 18th home run of the season, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs. The blast secured the Dodgers’ fourth consecutive win and completed a three-game sweep of Washington.
Background & Context
The Dodgers entered the game on a three-game winning streak but were missing designated hitter Shohei Ohtani for a fourth straight outing due to lingering knee and biceps discomfort. Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani’s condition was improving and he could return the following Monday if stable. Late-inning heroics in the prior two games had begun to restore confidence.
Data & Statistics
- Betts’ homer was his 18th of the season and produced four RBIs.
- Dodgers’ record improved to 86-57, 1½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL lead.
- The victory extended Los Angeles’ four-game winning streak and marked a 6-0 season record against Washington.
- The Dodgers are 4-0 in games without Ohtani.
- Starting pitcher Bobby Miller earned his first win, allowing one run over three innings.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts praised the club’s resilience, observing that “every night it’s someone different” when a late surge decides a game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A big moment, glad I came through. It's fun,” — Mookie Betts, outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers
- “Every night it's someone different. I thought we were gonna break through; I really did,” — Dave Roberts, manager, Los Angeles Dodgers
- “To get out of there with one run, with how my stuff was looking out there, I'd say that's a good day,” — Bobby Miller, pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
On-the-Ground Reports
The game’s momentum shifted repeatedly. After the Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a groundout by Betts, the Nationals answered with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by CJ Abrams’ 30th career home run. The Dodgers trimmed the deficit in the fifth with an RBI double by Edman and a two-run single by Dills. A ninth-inning rally was halted when the Nationals loaded the bases, but a hit-by-pitch to Dylan Crews gave Washington a 5-4 lead. Betts’ eighth-inning homer then provided the decisive margin.
What's Next
The Dodgers will open a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. The first game is scheduled to start at 3:10 PM HT / 6:10 PM PT / 9:10 PM ET. Emmet Sheehan is expected to pitch in a bulk-guy role, facing Reds starter Chase Burns. The series continues Los Angeles’ push for the National League’s top seed.
