Nat’ls rout Dodgers, tie NL series

WASHINGTON – Leave it to little- used, light- hitting Jose Lobaton to change the complexion of the Washington Nationals’ NL Division Series with one big swing.

Getting a rare chance to play because of starting catcher Wilson Ramos’ late- September injury, backup Lobaton hit a three- run homer through a strong wind to erase an early deficit Sunday. Daniel Murphy provided more-expected production with two RBIs, and Washington’s bullpen threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings, leading the Nationals past the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 in a rain-postponed Game 2 to even the series at 1-all.

“I’ve got to try to do something for the team,” said Lobaton, who had one hit off a left-handed pitcher all season before connecting with a curveball that stayed up from LA lefty Rich Hill with two outs in the fourth inning.

“And I’m not saying that I’m going to be like Willy and hit a homer and hit .300. Play hard every day, no matter who is in and who is not,” he said.

After dropping Game 1, the Nationals trailed 2- 0 when Hill allowed No. 8 hitter Lobaton to put the hosts ahead for good.

“One bad pitch to a guy that I don’t think anybody really thought was going to be that guy to hurt us,” said Josh Reddick, who drove in a run for LA in the third off Tanner Roark after Corey Seager hit his second first- inning homer of the NLDS. “But that’s what happens, and anybody can be the guy in the postseason.”

Hard to imagine Lobaton would be The Guy, though.

Didn’t even start the playoff opener, sitting behind rookie Pedro Severino, who had played all of 18 games in the majors.