Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw helps on offense in 4-1 win over Nationals

KEY MOMENT: Clayton Kershaw is more than just the best pitcher in the National League, he’s also a good hitter and a daring baserunner, two talents he used to break open a scoreless game in the fifth inning. After singling with one out, he went from first to third on a Dee Gordon single. That set up a two-run rally — Kershaw drew a throw to third, Gordon was able to advance to second, with both scoring an out later on Adrian Gonzalez’s infield single and a throwing error by shortstop Ian Desmond.

AT THE PLATE: A.J. Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford had two hits each for the Dodgers, who also got a two-run home run from Juan Uribe. Hanley Ramirez, on the other hand, continues to struggle. He didn’t get the ball out of the infield Tuesday, stranding two runners in scoring position in the fifth and hitting into a double play with the bases loaded in the sixth.

ON THE MOUND: Kershaw gave up just one hit through 62/3 innings to earn his major league-leading 17th win and lower his earned-run average to 1.70. He retired 17 of 18 batters at one point with only Bryce Harper’s seventh-inning home run keeping him from a shutout. Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 39th save.

EXTRA BASES: As expected, the Dodgers called up three more minor leaguers Tuesday, promoting right-hander Carlos Frias and infielders Erisbel Arruebarrena and Miguel Rojas. The Dodgers have 33 players on their roster; in September teams can carry as many as 40. Kershaw will play host to his annual charity event, Ping Pong 4 Purpose, on Thursday evening at Dodger Stadium. The celebrity-studded event will benefit Kershaw’s Challenge, a nonprofit that works with children in at-risk communities in Los Angeles, Dallas and Zambia. Limited tickets and sponsorship packages are still available at kershawschallenge.com/pp4p.

UP NEXT: The Dodgers conclude their three-game series with the Nationals — as well as their season’s work against the National League East — in a noon matinee Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. They will send rookie right-hander Carlos Frias (0-0, 5.65) to the mound against right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (10-5, 2.93). Frias has made eight appearances for the Dodgers this season, all in relief, pitching 141/3 innings and giving up 13 hits and nine runs. Frias started 20 times in the minors and was 10-5 with a 4.58 ERA split between Double A Chattanooga and Triple A Albuquerque. Zimmermann hasn’t lost since the All-Star break, going 4-0 with a 2.73 ERA in eight starts, while the team has won his last six starts. On the air: Radio: KLAC-AM (570), KTNQ-AM (1020). TV: SNLA.