Kershaw key to LA’s G4 win despite rough line

LOS ANGELES — It was the kind of matchup that defines October baseball. Clayton Kershaw’s tank was on empty in the seventh inning, as Bryce Harper fouled off pitch after pitch, working an eight-pitch walk to load the bases in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.

Out walked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who opened his palm and asked for the baseball. Kershaw, who would eventually pick up a no-decision in the Dodgers’ 6-5 victory on Tuesday, exited his stage to a thunderous ovation from the Dodger Stadium faithful.

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 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

Minutes later, that crowd went deafeningly silent. The Dodgers’ bullpen promptly allowed all three of those inherited runners to score — simultaneously tying the game and ruining Kershaw’s pitching line.

But make no mistake about it: It was Kershaw who led the Dodgers to their Game 4 victory Tuesday. He may have allowed five runs over 6 2/3 grueling frames. But it’s unlikely the Dodgers would be headed back to Washington for a winner-take-all Game 5 (Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/5 PT, FS1) without the exploits of their ace.

“I’m exhausted, for one,” Kershaw said …

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