WASHINGTON D.C.—Clayton Kershaw leads the Los Angeles Dodgers into the playoffs on Friday, October 7, as the team heads to Washington to face Bryce Harper and the Nationals.
After a historic start to the season, Kershaw went down with a herniated disc in his back in late June. The Dodgers stepped up in his absence, going 21-13 without their ace pitcher. Kershaw explained the confidence he gained in his team while he sat out. “In the past I’ve definitely felt that pressure more. But this year’s been a little different for me, just as far as having to watch on the sideline…I can definitely be a part of this and definitely help and definitely be a factor in winning. But I don’t have to be THE factor. We have so many guys that can do so many different things,” said Kershaw.
Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper expects to have a big series after his last post-season saw his stock rise as he batted .882 in four games. The 23-year old looks to improve on his 24-regular season home runs in the series against lefty Kershaw. Harper has lost these battles for the most part, going 1-15 against the three-time Cy Young winner with 1 home run and 10 strike outs.
The best-of-five series will be followed up with Game 2 on Saturday, October 8.
