Game 4 of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals featured multiple swings of momentum, and Joc Pederson was twice involved in key plays.
With the Dodgers leading, 4-2, in the fifth inning, they mounted a two-out rally on Nationals rookie reliever Reynaldo Lopez. It began with a Josh Reddick infield single to third base.
Pederson, who was hit by a pitch in the third inning with the bases loaded, stepped to the plate. He pulled two fastballs left over the plate down the right-field line, teasing the Dodger Stadium crowd.
Pederson’s at-bat eventually ended on a slicing RBI double that the young center fielder appeared to believe was carrying for a home run, based on his nonchalant demeanor out of the batter’s box and bat toss:
Pederson went 1-for-3 with two RBI and two strikeouts in Game 4. He made a diving catch in the sixth inning to rob Anthony Rendon of a hit and potential RBI. Starting in each of the four NLDS games thus far, Pederson is 3-for-12 with the one double, two RBI and six strikeouts.
His hit in Game 2 was the first of Pederson’s young postseason career.