June 7, 2017

Yasmani Grandal came through with an RBI double in the 6th inning, and Clayton Kershaw outdueled Stephen Strasberg with seven strong innings, as the Dodgers edged the Nationals 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Chavez Ravine.

Kershaw improved to 8-2 on the season, allowing just three hits while striking out nine batters.  The only run he allowed was a solo homer by Ryan Zimmerman in the 2nd inning.

Pedro Baez came recorded the first two outs of the 8th inning, then Kenley Jansen recorded the final four outs of the game for his 10th save in 10 opportunities.

Strasberg was brilliant as well, despite falling to 7-2.  He allowed three hits while striking out eight Dodgers in six innings of work.  However, LA finally broke through against him in that 6th inning.

With two outs, Corey Seager hit a solo homer 422-feet over the center field wall.  The next batter was Adrian Gonzales, who appeared to strikeout, but was able to reach 1st base safely on a pass ball.  He would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch, setting the stage for Grandal to bring him home with a double into the left center field gap.

The Nationals had a great chance to tie the game in the 8th inning, but the Dodgers escaped with the lead.

Trea Turner lead off the inning with a triple.  Ryan Raburn struck out, then Baez snagged a ball hit off the bat off Bryce Harper, catching Turner in a rundown.  Jansen came in to retire Zimmerman on another comebacker.

In the 9th, Jansen worked around a lead off single from Daniel Murphy, who later stole 2nd base, to end the Nationals final threat.

Jansen is having a remarkable start to the season.  He has now appeared in 23 games this season, pitching 24 1/3 innings.  He has an ERA of 1.11, a WHIP of 0.66, 42 strikeouts, and has not walked a batter.

The Dodgers will now have an off day, then begin a 3-game set on Friday night against the Reds at the Ravine.  Rich Hill (2-2, 4.15 ERA) gets the start for LA.  Amir Garrett (3-4, 7.17 ERA) will go for Cincy.