Why Washington fought Kirishima at close range

Why did USS Washington get so close to Kirishima off Guadalcanal?

Surprise let Washington close, and the short range maximized accuracy, penetration, and damage before an effective reply.

Washington was able to close because the Japanese did not detect the approach in time. Night fighting rewarded reducing the range before opening fire so the opponent had less time to respond. At roughly point-blank naval range, hit probability and armor penetration rose sharply. Washington could therefore inflict crippling damage before Kirishima organized an effective reply.