Nationals: Takeaways From 8-1 Win Over Dodgers

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Jul 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Daniel Murphy (20) reacts after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Check out our three takeaways from last night’s Washington Nationals win against the Dodgers

For the first time in 2016, the Washington Nationals (57-38) got a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers (53-43) last night at Nats Park by a final score of 8-1. Right out of the gate, Bryce Harper crushed a two-run home run in the first against Bud Norris.

After a rough first half, Gio Gonzalez got his second half off to a good start by giving up only one run over six innings. That run came on a RBI single by Charlie Culberson in the top of the second.

As for the rest of the offense, the Washington Nationals had four home runs, including back-to-back home runs by Ben Revere and Jayson Werth in the bottom of the fifth. In addition to the offense, the baserunning stood out last night from Trea Turner as he stole home on a double steal with Danny Espinosa in the bottom of the sixth.

After Gonzalez finished his outing, Felipe Rivero and rookie Koda Glover shut out the Dodgers for the final three innings. Glover, who was chosen in the eighth round of last year’s MLB Draft, only needed four pitches to complete a 1-2-3 ninth.

With the win last night and losses by the Marlins and the Mets, the Nats increased their leads in the NL East to 5.5 and 6.5 games respectively over those teams.

Before Stephen Strasburg goes for the series win this afternoon against the Dodgers (12:05 p.m ET, MASN2/MLB Network), check out my three takeaways from last night’s Washington Nationals win:

Next: Gonzalez Has Good First 2nd Half Start

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