This has the makings of a give-up game for the Dodgers with their decision to give 24-year-old rookie Carlos Frias his first big league start.

Frias is opposing Jordan Zimmerman, who is 10-5 with a 2.93 ERA and in great form. Zimmerman went 4-0 in August with a 2.21 ERA. The Nationals are 15-5 in their last 20 games. They won all six of Zimmerman's August starts.

The Nationals also led the National League in homers during August. They were stopped last night by Clayton Kershaw - like the rest of the league - but should bounce back today with a power surge and a far superior starting pitcher.

Washington is 11-5 in Zimmerman's past 16 road starts. The Dodgers are 3-7 at home the past 10 times when facing a righty. Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig are in deep slumps. Ramirez is 0-for-16 while Puig is 2-for-30.

Frias is nothing special. He had a 4.63 minor league ERA and a 5.65 big league ERA pitching in relief.