Kiké Hernandez highlights Dodgers youthful trio up the middle

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers lineup on Wednesday night against the Nationals had a very youthful feel, and with good reason. The team started players age 23 or younger at second base, third base and center field in the same game for the first time in 13 seasons.

Kiké Hernandez is the oldest of the trio at 23 years, 353 days old, getting the call at shortstop on Wednesday night to spell Jimmy Rollins. Hernandez filled in beautifully, making several strong defensive plays.

"He made some awesome plays. They hit every ball hard at him tonight," Clayton Kershaw said of Hernandez. "That play up the middle saved a run for us. Awesome day for him over there."

"The harder it gets hit to me, the more I like it," Hernandez said. "It's more fun."

Hernandez made six plays in all, but it was the play up the middle in the sixth inning that kept the Dodgers leading by a run. With Michael Taylor on second and two outs, Hernandez ranged up the middle then threw to first to beat Yunel Escobar to end the inning, preserving a 1-0 lead.

Kershaw pumped his fist into his glove, but Hernandez was too busy to notice.

"I was trying to taste myself watching the replay, so I didn't see Kershaw," he said with a smile after the game.

At second base was newly-acquired rookie Jose Peraza, in just his third day in the major leagues at 21 years, 104 days old. Joc Pederson rounds out the group in center field, at 23 years, 113 days old.

Pederson walked and was hit by a pitch, and scored the first two Dodgers runs.

The last time the Dodgers started three players 23 or younger up the middle was on September 29, 2002, on the final day of the regular season against the Padres at Dodger Stadium.

Cesar Izuris was 22 years, 231 days old that day, and started at shortstop. He was 0-for-4, as was center fielder Wilkin Ruan, who was 23 years, 315 days old. Joe Thurston, starting at second base, celebrated his 23rd birthday with four singles in five at-bats.

Up next

The Dodgers may or may not have Justin Turner back at third base on Thursday, but they will have Mat Latos on the mound to open a four-game series against the Reds. Cincinnati will counter with rookie right-hander Keyvius Sampson.