Dodgers Force NLDS Game 5 Against Mets

Only on three days rest and a history of losing pivotal postseason games, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw had something to give for he did not want his team’s season to end. He surely delivered that message when facing the New York Mets last night in Citi Field, pitching an extraordinary seven-inning bout allowing only three hits and throwing eight strikeouts. The Dodgers would go on to win 3-1 in Game 4 and tie the series up for an all-or-nothing Game 5.

Crucial scoring for the Dodgers came during the third inning off rookie Mets pitcher Steven Matz with first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hitting an RBI single and third baseman Justin Turner hitting a two-run double. Turner, an ex-Met, has been a hitting machine for the Dodgers during the NLDS in going for 7-for-15, but that does not seem to matter to Turner. “I’m just glad we won,” Turner said. “That stuff’s all in the past. Has no effect on me. I’m a Dodger. Happy to be a Dodger and glad to take the series back to L.A. for Game 5.”

Game 5, which is scheduled for tomorrow night at 8:07 p.m. at Dodger Stadium, is promising to be a postseason game for the ages with the winning team facing the Chicago Cubs for the ALCS pennant. The pitching matchup will see Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom, who pitched a franchise record-tying 13 strikeouts in Game 1, face Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, who won Game 2.

Photo: NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 13: Adrian Gonzalez #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Howie Kendrick #47 after scoring a run off of Justin Turner’s #10 double to left field against Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets in the third inning during game four of the National League Division Series at Citi Field on October 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)