The Dodgers had a standout night, scoring 11 runs against the San Francisco Giants and taking over first place in their division. One player, however, shone brighter than the rest: Clayton Kershaw, the team’s long-time ace.
At 37 years old and in his 18th season in Major League Baseball, Kershaw may not throw as hard as he once did, but he continues to demonstrate his skill and knowledge of the game. He recorded a stellar performance, pitching seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out five batters. His impressive outing was crucial in the Dodgers’ decisive 11-5 victory at Dodger Stadium.
Kershaw’s journey this season has been challenging. After undergoing shoulder surgery and dealing with toe and knee procedures during the offseason, he was determined to return to the mound. His experience became invaluable for the Dodgers as they faced multiple injuries among their pitching staff. Stepping up in a game where the team had a substantial lead, Kershaw executed his game plan effectively, keeping the Giants’ lineup—ranked low in batting average—under control.
Manager Dave Roberts praised Kershaw’s performance, noting how well he managed the game, stating, “He worked ahead all night long and put the pressure on those guys.” This approach enabled Kershaw to maintain an efficient pitch count while ensuring the Giants couldn’t find their rhythm.
The Dodgers’ offense also made a significant impact, led by superstar Shohei Ohtani, who hit two home runs, including one to start the game. This helped give Kershaw a comfortable cushion early on, allowing him to focus on securing outs. After the first three innings, the Dodgers had a strong six-run lead, which set the tone for Kershaw’s performance.
Despite some minor struggles with his pitches, Kershaw remained effective. He acknowledged that his fastball wasn’t at its peak speed, but he compensated for that by placing the ball where he wanted. “It might not have been as good as the last one, but that’s pitching,” he commented. The experience of needing to adapt has become a part of his game as he ages.
As Kershaw left the mound, he was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd of over 51,000. The celebration in the dugout reflected how much his teammates appreciated his contributions. “It was special,” Kershaw said of the support from the fans, acknowledging how much he values his time on the field as he nears the end of his illustrious career.
Looking ahead, Ohtani appears ready to return to pitching. He recently expressed confidence about his abilities during his live practice sessions. While he dodged questions about a specific timeline, he did say he felt “game-ready,” indicating optimism for his return.
Additionally, the Dodgers are anticipating the comeback of right-hander Emmet Sheehan, who has completed a rehab assignment after Tommy John surgery. His activation is pending a bullpen session, but he is expected to be built up to pitch again soon.
In summary, the Dodgers continue to showcase their talent, with Kershaw proving that experience and skill can overcome the challenges of age. With Ohtani also on track to make his return, the team looks poised for more success as the season progresses.
