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Dodgers try to halt losing ways vs. Nationals

Aug 26, 2008 - 1:22 PM LA Dodgers (65-66) at Washington (46-85) 7:10 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Just over a week ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers were among the majors' hottest teams and appeared to be ready for a meaningful playoff run. Now, they are merely thankful they have a chance to get well vs. the Washington Nationals.

The Dodgers attempt to overcome an embarrassing sweep on Tuesday when they meet the lowly Nationals in the series opener of a three-game set.

Los Angeles went 6-1 over a seven-game stretch when it swept Philadelphia in four games and took two of three from Milwaukee.

The Dodgers promptly surrendered all the progress they made during that run by losing six of their next seven, including a four-game sweep by the Phillies where they were outscored, 27-5, at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park.

The one win they had in that stretch belonged to Derek Lowe (10-10, 3.89 ERA), who will attempt to remain perfect against the Nationals.

The sinkerballer, 5-0 with a 2.88 ERA in five starts and six career relief appearances vs. Washington, was sharp in his latest outing - a 3-1 victory over Colorado on Thursday - when he struck out seven over 6 1/3 innings, allowing a run and four hits to post his second straight win.

The Nationals will turn to rookie Collin Balester (2-6, 4.99) on Tuesday in hopes he can end a stretch in which his opponent has taken 11 of the teams' last 12 meetings. However, the righthander suffered a loss in his third straight start on Wednesday after allowing three earned runs and seven hits in six innings in a 4-0 setback at Philadelphia.