Mookie Betts’ late home run rallies Dodgers past Nationals, 7-5

Mookie Betts hit a crucial three-run home run in the eighth inning, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-5 victory over the Washington Nationals, marking their fourth consecutive win. Max Muncy contributed with three hits and two runs, while Tommy Edman added two hits, two runs, and an RBI. Bobby Miller, in his season debut, secured the win by allowing just one run over three innings. The Dodgers, now 1 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the best record in the majors, achieved this streak without Shohei Ohtani, who is sidelined due to injuries. Despite CJ Abrams reaching a career milestone of 30 home runs and Harry Ford’s two-run double, the Nationals suffered their fourth straight loss. Will Dion of the Nationals gave up Betts’ decisive homer. Edgardo Henriquez closed the game for the Dodgers, earning his second save. The Dodgers have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the upcoming game against Cincinnati. QUESTION: How might the absence of a key player like Shohei Ohtani impact a team’s performance and morale during a winning streak?