Nats continue slide, lose to Dodgers 4-3 OR All hopes on Hill

Another beautiful night in Los Angeles, another 1-run Nats loss. This is getting depressing.

The Nats scored first again, and the game was close the entire time, but the Dodgers scored the go-ahead run in the 7th inning and held on for the 4-3 win.

Nats starter Jason Bergmann, fresh off of his rehab starts, pitched well enough, going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, walking 1 and only striking out 1. He threw 55 strikes on 89 pitches (62%) and gave up 1 homer. Bergmann's start was encouraging. He may only have 5 starts remaining in the season, but if he keeps pitching this way, and improving, he should be just fine.

Chris Schroeder took the loss, allowing 1 hit on 1 run.

Ryan Report: Church went 0 for 3, Zimmerman 0 for 4, and Austin Ryan Kearns 1 for 3.

Despite the losses, Dmitri Young continues to be productive, going 2 for 3 with an R.B.I and a double and a walk. No small wonder that he's being talked about for some hitting titles and possible awards.

Ronnie Belliard had a nice triple. Tony Batista had a surprising pinch-hit homer. Felipe Lopez had a costly error, though he did go 2 for 4.

Any chance to right this roadtrip rests with Shawn Hill, who has been brilliant but lacked run support or, in the case of last Saturday, relief support. He's matched up against the 14-4 Brad Penny. Should be a wicked pitcher's duel. Let's hope Hill comes out on top.