WASHINGTON, D.C.—To think people once questioned the postseason pedigree of Clayton Kershaw.
He is the best pitcher of this generation and, after the most grueling series since the Phillies and Astros wore on each other in the 1980 NLCS, now we know none are more gallant. The Dodgers engaged in five fierce games against the Nationals that set postseason records for pitching changes, hit batters, times of game and agita. All you need to know about the outcome was this: Kershaw pitched three times in the seven-day struggle. The Dodgers were 3–0 when he pitched, 0–2 when he didn’t.