Nats have ace in G5 after LA uses own in G4

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers’ decision to use Clayton Kershaw on short rest Tuesday in Game 4 of the National League Division Series could be seen as an unusual move. But more than that, it was the conventional move, the completely conventional move.

It worked in the short term for Kershaw and the Dodgers in their 6-5 triumph over the Nationals, which evened the NLDS at 2-2 and forced a winner-take-all Game 5 on Thursday (5 p.m. or 8 p.m. ET/2 p.m. or 5 p.m. PT on FS1) in Washington.

Kershaw, pitching on three days’ rest, was much better than his line indicated. He took a 5-2 lead into the seventh inning, but with two outs, loaded the bases. Dodger relievers allowed all three inherited baserunners to score, so Kershaw was charged with five runs in 6 2/3 innings. But he also struck out 11 batters and looked very much like himself for long stretches.

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 7   LAD 4, WAS 3 Gm 2 Oct. 9   WSH 5, LAD 2 Gm 3 Oct. 10   WAS 8, LAD 3 Gm 4 Oct. 11   LAD 6, WAS 5 Gm 5 Oct. 13 5 or 8 p.m. LAD @ WSH FS1 All times listed ET • Division Series start time scenarios • Dodgers vs. Nationals NLDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Dodgers | Nationals

“Kershaw was outstanding,” Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. “That’s one of the best performances I’ve seen, especially on three days’ rest.”

As infrequently as contemporary pitchers are used on short rest, Kershaw was ready to pitch in this game. He had done this last year, and successfully, in the NLDS against the Mets in a nearly identical circumstance: The Dodgers were trailing the series, 2-1, and Kershaw gave up just one run on three hits over seven innings, walking one and striking out eight …

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