Game 1 of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals had the appearance of a pitchers’ duel. But it was clear early on that neither Clayton Kershaw or Max Scherzer had their best stuff.
Kershaw wound up laboring through five innings, while Scherzer navigated his way through six innings. Heading into the NLDS, the Dodgers lauded their depth and new-found attitude and persistence under manager Dave Roberts.
For Corey Seager, it marked his second go-around in the playoffs. He recently said the experience gained in the 2015 NLDS was invaluable, and he felt more comfortable heading into the series against the Nationals.
After Scherzer struck out Chase Utley to start the game, Seager stepped into the batter’s box with Nationals Park in an early frenzy.
He jumped on the first pitch he saw to hit a towering home run to straightaway center field:
Shining on the big stage. ? #Stud pic.twitter.com/ZROK072XQR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 8, 2016
Seager became the youngest player in Dodgers history to hit a postseason home run. “I think that kind of set the tone for us,” Justin Turner said of Seager’s homer. After the solo blast, Turner was hit by a pitch on his left hand.
He was checked on by head athletic trainer Nate Lucero and remained in the game. In his next plate appearance, Turner pulled a hanging breaking ball into left field for a two-run homer:
? JT doing JT things in the #NLDS. ? pic.twitter.com/5xjiRbwqQN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 8, 2016
Turner continued with his success from last year’s playoffs, going 2-for-3 in Game 1. “I like playing in [postseason games], first of all, having the opportunity. Just trying to get good pitches to hit and staying in the zone,” Turner said.
“Usually, when you swing at good pitches, you get pretty good results. Did a good job tonight swinging at strikes and got good results.”
