Clayton Kershaw dominates again, Dodgers beat Nationals 4-1

LOS ANGELES (AP) Clayton Kershaw yielded six hits over seven dominant innings to earn his ninth victory in 10 starts, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Washington Nationals 4-1 Monday night for their fourth straight victory.

Washington scratched Stephen Strasburg about 80 minutes before game time due to an upper back strain, depriving Chavez Ravine of a tantalizing pitchers' duel with Kershaw (11-1).

The Dodgers' ace still added eight strikeouts to his major league-leading 141, fanning Bryce Harper three times. Kershaw didn't walk a batter and got through a tricky seventh inning to remain unbeaten since May 1.

Kenley Jansen became the Dodgers' career saves leader in the ninth. He surpassed Eric Gagne with his 162nd save, including 20 this season.

Anthony Rendon drove in the Nationals' run in the seventh.