Dodgers Vs. Nationals Recap: Kershaw Does It All In Win

After dropping the first of the three-game series with the Washington Nationals, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to Clayton Kershaw and inserted Joc Pederson in center field.

Kershaw fought control issues early as two of the first three batters he faced in the first inning went to three-ball counts. After walking Jayson Werth with two outs, Kershaw finished the inning by striking out Ian Desmond.

Doug Fister issued a two-out walk to Adrian Gonzalez in the bottom of the first, then got Matt Kemp to line out. Wilson Ramos hit a leadoff single in the second inning, but the Nationals were unable to capitalize and the game remained scoreless.

Joc Pederson collected his first hit in the Majors on a bloop single in second and A.J. Ellis gave the Dodgers two runners after reaching on an infield single. The Dodgers threatened again behind Kemp’s leadoff ground-rule double in the fourth.

Carl Crawford dropped down a bunt up the first base line that Fister was unable to field cleanly and he threw the ball away. Kemp attempted to score from first on the play and was thrown out at the plate.

Uribe grounded into a fielder’s choice and Pederson struck out as the Dodgers squandered an opportunity to take the lead.

Next Page: Kershaw Starts Rally