Dan Haren has rough start in Dodgers’ 3-2 loss to Nationals

KEY MOMENT: After a rough first inning, Dan Haren retired nine of the next 10 batters to keep the Dodgers in the game. But that came undone in the fifth when three of the first four batters reached base ahead of a bases-loaded sacrifice fly by Wilson Ramos, who was playing for the first time since breaking a bone in his left hand on opening day.

AT THE PLATE: Carl Crawford had his third straight multiple-hit game and was eight for 13 in the three-game series. Yasiel Puig, playing for the first time since running into the fence in Miami, singled in a run in the first inning, extending his hitting streak to seven games. Denard Span had two hits and scored twice for the Nationals, and Ramos also had a double and a walk.

ON THE MOUND: Haren took the mound with a 2-0 lead but quickly gave it back, facing eight batters in the first inning, giving up two runs and four hits. The right-hander, who lost for the first time in five decisions this year, settled down after that but complained of back stiffness after the game. Back problems forced Haren to the disabled list two years ago. Washington starter Stephen Strasburg also had a rough first inning but quickly righted himself, giving up only three more hits while pitching into the eighth.

EXTRA BASES: After dropping two of three in both Washington and Miami, the Dodgers have lost four of their last five series. What’s more, the team is 12-15 against teams not named the Arizona Diamondbacks. ... Catcher A.J. Ellis, on the disabled list for a month after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, has begun a rehab assignment at the Dodgers’ minor league facility in Arizona. There is no timetable for his return. ... Those fortunate enough to have access to SportsNet LA can pay a visit to Puig’s Miami home during photographer Dave Strumpf’s “Backstage: Dodgers” segment Thursday at 5 p.m.

UP NEXT: Their 10-day, three-city, nine-game trip over, the Dodgers are home Thursday to begin a four-game series against the division-leading San Francisco Giants. Right-hander Josh Beckett (0-1, 3.14 ERA) will start the 7 p.m. opener against right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (1-1, 4.60). On the air: TV: SportsNet LA; Radio: 570, 1020.