Kershaw outduels Zimmermann in Nats' 3-0 loss

A leadoff walk to Joc Pederson in the third turned into the Dodgers' first run. Jose Peraza followed with a broken bat floater that Ian Desmond barehanded on one hop and fired to first for the out. But Pederson advanced to second, where he would score from on Carl Crawford's two-out single.

Jordan Zimmermann has allowed one run on two hits, with one walk and four strikeouts, through four innings.

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw is perfect through four innings with four strikeouts.

Update: Michael A. Taylor drilled a double over Pederson's head to break up Kershaw's bid for perfection with one out in the sixth. Taylor was stranded after Dodgers shortstop Kike Hernandez made a sensational diving stop on sharp a grounder from Yunel Escobar. Hernandez hopped to his feet and fired to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to just beat Escobar and end the inning.

Zimmermann has retired 10 straight. He has struck out six through six innings while still limiting the Dodgers to one run on two hits.

Update II: Zimmmermann retired the last 13 batters he faced, striking out the side in the seventh. He fanned a season-high nine batters while allowing one run on just two hits with a walk. Zimmermann threw 93 pitches.

Right-hander Drew Storen will start the eighth.

Kershaw has struck out eight through eight scoreless innings.

Update III: Storen hit Pederson with one out in the eighth. Pinch-hitter Andre Ethier then belted a ball over Bryce Harper's head. Pederson was set to stop at third, and Ethier at second, until Anthony Rendon's wild relay throw sailed up the third base line, one-hopping into the seats. The careless error allowed both Pederson and Ethier to score.

Update IV: Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen set the Nats down in order in the ninth, whiffing Harper to end the game.

The Dodgers beat the Nationals 3-0.