Clayton Kershaw's Gem
New York (and nationally, thanks to MLB Network) got a chance to see Clayton Kershaw at his best last night. It was a dominating performance as he tossed a complete game shutout, striking 11 and walking no one.
The Dodgers ace and three-time NL Cy Young Award winner extended his consecutive inning scoreless streak to 29. He make it look almost effortless, breezing through the Mets and averaging around 12 pitches an inning. And while few remember the losing pitcher, give credit to New York's Bartolo Colon, who was breezing right along nearly matching Kershaw. The difference in the game was Jimmy Rollins' solo homer in the 3rd off the Mets veteran. Even with a top of the 9th inning, where the Dodgers tacked on a couple of runs, the game ran just 2 hours and 27 minutes.
Kershaw carried a perfect game bid into the 7th inning before Mets leadoff man Curtis Granderson drove a hard single into right field. The Dodgers ace gave up another pair of hits, but was never really challenged.
There were just three occasions when Kershaw had to hold a base runner on. Here he eyes Granderson after becoming the first Met to reach.
Take a look below, as Kershaw carefully wraps that valuable left arm between innings. On a pleasant night with low humidity, he wanted to keep his arm warm while he rested.
A few more glimpses of Clayton Kershaw en route to his 11th career shutout.
Is he the Dodgers best left since Fernando Valenzuela? Dare I suggest, since Koufax?Kershaw even looks intimidating when it's his turn to bat.
Comments