The Washington Nationals wrap up their West Coast road trip with a late-night challenge on Sunday, September 6, taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium with first pitch set for 10:10 PM ET. Andrew Alvarez gets the ball for Washington against Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski in what shapes up as a tough assignment for the Nats against one of the National League's most talented rosters. How Washington navigates an imposing Dodgers lineup will go a long way toward determining whether the club can steal a result on the road.

Pitching Matchup: Alvarez vs. Wrobleski

Andrew Alvarez draws the start for the Nationals in what is a significant opportunity for the left-hander. Alvarez will need to limit damage early and avoid getting into deep counts against a Dodgers lineup that is built to grind pitchers down. His ability to work efficiently through the order — particularly against the heart of the Dodgers batting order — will be the central storyline on the Washington side of the ledger.

Justin Wrobleski gets the nod for Los Angeles. The young Dodgers starter has shown flashes of competence in his big-league appearances, and pitching at home gives him a comfortable setting. Alvarez and Wrobleski are both pitchers whose current season lines were unavailable ahead of this preview, so Washington's advance scouting and in-game adjustments will carry extra weight.

Dodgers Lineup Presents Serious Challenge

There is no sugarcoating it — the Dodgers lineup that Alvarez will face is formidable from top to bottom. Los Angeles is rolling out:

• Tommy Edman leading off in center field
• Mookie Betts hitting second at shortstop
• Will Smith behind the plate, batting third
• Freddie Freeman at first base, hitting cleanup
• Teoscar Hernández in left field, batting fifth
• Kyle Tucker in right field, batting sixth
• Miguel Rojas at second base, batting seventh
• Max Muncy as the designated hitter, batting eighth
• Enrique Hernández at third base, batting ninth

That is a deep, experienced group with genuine pop throughout. Alvarez cannot afford to let Betts or Freeman beat him with runners on base, and Tucker — a proven run producer — lurks in the six hole. Even the bottom third of this order has veterans capable of doing damage. Alvarez will need his best command to navigate it.

Keys to Watch for Washington

Alvarez's Early Innings

The Nationals need Alvarez to get through the Dodgers order the first time without surrendering crooked numbers. Keeping the game within reach early gives Washington's offense a fighting chance in a ballpark that can play differently late at night when the air settles.

Nationals Offense Against Wrobleski

Washington's lineup will need to be patient and find a way to work counts against Wrobleski. The Nationals have not released their lineup ahead of this preview, but whoever is in the order needs to manufacture traffic on the bases and force the Dodgers bullpen into action as early as possible.

Bullpen Management

With a 10:10 PM ET start on the tail end of a road trip, managing the pitching staff smartly will be critical. If Alvarez runs into trouble, Washington's coaching staff will need to move quickly to keep the deficit manageable.

Prediction

The Dodgers hold a structural advantage here — a deep, proven lineup, a home setting, and a late start time that favors the home club. The Nationals can compete if Alvarez pitches to contact and keeps the ball in the yard, but Los Angeles has too much talent in that lineup to overlook. Expect a tough night for Washington. Dodgers 5, Nationals 2.

Catch the action on Nationals.TV or on the radio at WJFK 106.7 The Fan.