Clayton Kershaw used an old-school approach Wednesday as the Los Angeles Dodgers dispatched the new-age Milwaukee Brewers to move one victory away from their second consecutive World Series appearance.

Leaning heavily on his breaking pitches, Kershaw struck out nine over seven innings as the Dodgers earned a 5-2 victory, with the National League Championship Series now shifting to Milwaukee for Game 6 on Friday.

The defending NL champion Dodgers took a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series as they aim to take part in consecutive World Series for the first time since 1977-78.

Jackie Bradley Jr. struck the decisive blow for a third consecutive game, and the Boston Red Sox inched one win closer to claiming the American League pennant with an 8-6 victory over the Houston Astros in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series on Wednesday.

Bradley belted a first-pitch changeup from Astros right-hander Josh James (0-1) into the right field seats with two outs in the sixth inning, the two-run homer giving the Red Sox a 6-5 lead.

Boston held on to claim a 3-1 series lead with Game 5 set for Thursday at Minute Maid Park.

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