Sweet start turns sour when Hill hangs curve

WASHINGTON — Through three innings on Sunday afternoon, Rich Hill was on cruise control. His biting curveball was devastating as ever. His sneaky fastball was equally sharp. Nationals Park had responded in kind, a once-festive atmosphere turning tense and quiet.

My, how quickly things can change in October.

With two men on base in the bottom of the fourth, the Dodgers southpaw did something he doesn’t often do: He hung a curveball. Nationals catcher Jose Lobaton sent it soaring through a merciless wind and into the L.A. bullpen, giving the Nationals their first lead of the National League Division Series. The blast proved to be the seminal moment in the Dodgers’ 5-2 loss in Game 2, which evened the series at one game apiece.

“It was a hanging curveball, and he did what he was supposed to do with it,” Hill said. “Tip your hat. I didn’t execute that pitch, and it landed in their favor.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 7   LAD 4, WAS 3 Gm 2 Oct. 9   WSH 5, LAD 2 Gm 3 Oct. 10 4 p.m. WAS @ LAD MLBN Gm 4 Oct. 11 5 or 8 p.m. WAS @ LAD FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 5 or 8 p.m. LAD @ WSH FS1 *- If necessary | All times listed ET • Division Series start time scenarios • Dodgers vs. Nationals NLDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Dodgers | Nationals

Since joining the Dodgers at the non-waiver Trade Deadline this summer, Hill hadn’t allowed a home run off of his curveball. He had given up just four big flies on any pitch all season, in fact.

The homer sent Nationals Park into a frenzy, and Hill never quite recovered. He allowed three singles in the top of the fifth and was …

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