Dodgers use Kershaw, Hatcher as hitters

LOS ANGELES -- As Monday's slugfest between the Giants and Dodgers dragged on into extra innings, Los Angeles was forced to turn to unlikely hitters in its 5-4, walk-off victory.

Clayton Kershaw came to bat as a pinch-hitter in the 11th with a runner on first, two out and the score tied, 4-4, as the Dodgers were out of position players. Kershaw, a career .153 hitter, came to the plate with a standing ovation and "M-V-P" chants from those remaining at Dodger Stadium.

With the winning run on second base, Kershaw grounded out to end the inning.

"You don't doubt them there. Kershaw takes big at-bats all the time," catcher A.J. Ellis said. "He's going to put the ball in play and he's going to fight you. He hit the ball hard; it just happened to be right at the guy."

Zack Greinke is a slightly better hitter by average, a .218 hitter with two home runs this season, but manager Don Mattingly said he didn't consider using him in the game as a hitter.

"No, not really," Mattingly said after Monday's game. "He's pitching tomorrow."

In the bottom of the 13th, after Justin Turner walked and stole second base, the Giants intentionally walked Carl Crawford and Jose Peraza to load the bases with two out. The Dodgers let reliever Chris Hatcher, who entered to pitch in the 12th, hit for himself. A former catcher in the Minor Leagues, Hatcher fouled out to right to end the frame.

"I was really never a hitter so I never really enjoyed it," Hatcher said. "I don't miss it."