Fun coincidence: Kershaw's only other pro save came with Kenley Jansen catching

In Game 5, Kershaw recorded his first save in the pros since 2006

The Dodgers-Nationals NLDS came to a close with a familiar face on the mound for the Dodgers, albeit in an unfamiliar role. After All-Star closer Kenley Jansen provided 2 1/3 innings and a career-high 51 pitches, he was removed from the game and clearly gassed. To close out the game and get the save, it was ace lefty Clayton Kershaw.

Kershaw getting the save was weird enough, but let's go back and find something that is downright eerie.

Kershaw previously had but one save in his entire professional career. It came on Aug. 19, 2006, when the 18-year-old Kershaw -- who was taken seventh overall in the first round earlier that summer -- closed things down for the Gulf Coast League Dodgers (Rookie Ball).

Kershaw needed to face just the minimum three batters in his inning of work on that day, getting a groundout and two strikeouts.

His catcher? Kenley Jansen.

Again, that's eerie.

Just for fun, Kershaw's numbers that season: 1.95 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 54 K, 5 BB, 37 IP

Jansen never got higher than Class A as a catcher and converted to pitching prior to the 2009 season. Good choice.

Hat-tip: Kelsie Heneghan