CJ Abrams' leadoff homer lifts Nationals over Dodgers 2

LOS ANGELES (AP) — CJ Abrams homered in the first at-bat of the game and the Washington Nationals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 on Wednesday to take the series.

Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-1) threw six scoreless innings to get his first win of the season and gave up just four hits. Irvin was efficient and dominant all afternoon.

“He’s been unbelievable,” Washington manager Dave Martinez said. “He’s been outstanding, actually. He keeps getting better and better. The confidence is growing, so he gives us the innings we need. We had a big conversation after the sixth inning. I felt he’d let the air out there that last inning and we talked a little bit. We had a fresh bullpen so we decided to go with the bullpen. I can’t say enough about what he’s done so far.”

Landon Knack (0-1) made his major league debut for the Dodgers.

Abrams smacked his second pitch of the game to right centerfield for his third career leadoff home run. Joey Menses hit a sacrifice fly to center to score a run for a 2-0 lead also in the first. Those were the only runs of the game.