Nats win 5-3 behind Matt den Dekker's two-run homer

By Josh Land

Nationals

July 18, 2015, 10:34am

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After pitching the fifth inning before the game was suspended last night, Tanner Roark retuned to the mound this afternoon to start the sixth. Adrian Gonzalez blasted a one-out solo shot to left off Roark to tie the game. It was Gonzalez's second homer of the game and 20th on the season. Gonzalez has driven all three runs for the Dodgers in the game.

Dodgers right-hander Chin-Hui Tsao retired the Nationals in order in the bottom of the inning.

Nationals right-hander Aaron Barrett took over in the seventh, pitching a scoreless frame. However, Ian Desmond was charged with his 21st error when he booted a grounder from Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson.

Update: The Nationals came away empty after a prime scoring opportunity in the seventh. Yunel Escobar reached on a bloop double and then Dodgers manager Don Mattingly opted to intentionally walk Bryce Harper with two outs.

Mattingly summoned left-hander J.P. Howell, who walked Robinson to load the bases. Right-hander Pedro Baez then came out of the bullpen to strike out Wilson Ramos to end the threat.

Right-hander Casey Janssen pitched a spotless eighth for the Nats.

Update II: Matt den Dekker crushed a pinch-hit two-run homer into the right field second deck off Baez with two outs in the eighth.

Update III: Closer Drew Storen finished off the Dodgers in the ninth to claim his 28th save.

The Nationals beat the Dodgers 5-3.