NEW SERIES

LOS ANGELES DODGERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Where: RFK Stadium

Today: 7:05 p.m., RHP Jason Simontacchi (2-2, 4.37) vs. RHP Brad Penny (6-1, 2.26).

Tomorrow: 7:05 p.m., LHP Mike Bacsik (1-0, 1.98) vs. RHP Derek Lowe (4-5, 3.64).

Thursday: 7:05 p.m., LHP Micah Bowie (1-2, 3.91) vs. LHP Mark Hendrickson (2-2, 3.62).

Series breakdown: In the ultra-competitive National League West, the Dodgers have reigned through most of the season’s first two months. The key has been a superb pitching staff that comes in with a 3.61 ERA and a pair of six-game winners in Penny and Randy Wolf (6-3). All this without newly signed ace Jason Schmidt, who made only three starts before going on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. The rotation is backed up by a strong bullpen that doesn’t boast many recognizable names but shouldn’t be overlooked. Closer Takashi Saito (15 saves, 1.64 ERA) and setup man Jonathan Broxton (1.65 ERA) have been as good as they get.

— Mark Zuckerman

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