Dodgers vs National Game 5: Five ways L.A. can get into the NLCS

By Keith Rivas | Oct 12, 2016

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) celebrates with Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) reacts after striking out Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (not pictured) in the fifth inning during game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Clayton Kershaw knew what he was being asked to do when he was put into Game 4 on short rest, and boy did he deliver.

It wasn’t the best start of all-time, let alone Kershaw’s career, but the only thing Los Angeles needed was enough to put their best foot forward.

To think that they won’t play with more of a chip on their shoulder, even in a road game, is to ignore the fact that they haven’t succeeded in the past with their season on the line.

This time around could easily be different.

The only thing that may hinder them is if they let their overall ERA get to them. With just the Texas Rangers (now eliminated) boasting a worse ERA than them, the Dodgers have to live with a 5.40 team ERA coming into Game 5.

But do they really care?

No, of course not, they just want the win.

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers

Using momentum from winning Game 4 to their advantage