Rich Hill started the game after overcoming knee trouble in September to put himself in position to pitch but he didn't last long.
Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez gave up a three-run home run to Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman during the fifth inning.
The Nationals were under head after ace pitcher Max Scherzer loaded the bases in the seventh inning. Chris Taylor came up to bat, eager to catch up, but the opportunity was lost when he struck out.
Both teams now stand just one victory away from an appearance in the National League Conference Series. If the Dodgers rake in a win during Game 5, it will be their seventh NLCS appearance in 11 years.
The series will conclude with Game 5 at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.