The Washington Nationals dropped Game 1 of the NLDS at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-3, Friday night.
Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth misses a two-run homer by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner during the third inning of Game 1 of a baseball National League Division Series at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on as fans cheer as the Washington Nationals starting lineup is announced during festivities before Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the third inning of Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley throws to first base after getting the out on Washington Nationals’ Daniel Murphy, but can’t get the double play on Anthony Rendon during the second inning of Game 1 of a baseball National League Division Series, at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer delivers against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, right, throws to Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series, at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Injured Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos throws out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer pauses in the dugout before Game 1 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
WASHINGTON — The opening game of the National League Division Series between the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers did not end up the pitcher’s duel many thought it would be. But neither bullpen allowed run, as the Dodgers held on after a fast start to take Game 1, 4-3, at Nationals Park Friday night.
In a battle of Cy Young Award winners Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer, the Nationals’ ace blinked first, surrendering a home run on the eighth pitch of the game to Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager. Scherzer allowed a second homer later and four runs in all over six innings, after allowing a National League high 31 long balls during the regular season.
Kershaw was staked to a 4-0 lead through three frames, but lasted just five innings, allowing three runs. Anthony Rendon singled home a pair in the bottom of the third and Trea Turner got the Nats within one on a sacrifice fly in the fourth. But the Nationals stranded far more runners than the Dodgers, including a bases-loaded opportunity in the second inning.
Game 2 will see Washington right-hander Tanner Roark take on Dodgers southpaw Rich Hill Saturday at 4:08 p.m.
