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Nats fall short to Dodgers, 4-3, in NLDS Game 1

By Noah Frank

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.

WATCH: Nats celebrate World Series with parade ahead of Spring Training opener in Florida

By Dan Friedell
The Washington Nationals showed off their trophy from winning the 2019 World Series in front of their local fans in South Florida during a parade on Thursday, February 20. Spring Training kicked off recently, and the first preseason game is Saturday, February 22, against the Houston Astros, the team they defeated in the World Series. Before the parade started, Michael A. Taylor and Sean Doolittle mingled with fans, some of whom were wearing hats supporting the local Miami Marlins. However, the West Palm Beach fans showed their support, as players like Kurt Suzuki, Trea Turner and Howie Kendrick rode in cars and buses through the main streets of Clemantis.
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