When one thinks of Clayton Kershaw, they usually think about one of the most dominant pitchers of the last 3 decades. With an impressive career ERA of 2.43 and 2,526 career strikeouts, Kershaw has been a tour-de-force.
However, Kershaw has been living with one very large monkey on his back: His ability to pitch effectively in the postseason. Kershaw has historically struggled in the post season, giving up multiple hits and runs in every start he pitched. Fortunately for Kershaw, the first major hurdle is finally over. Kershaw was able to be his usual dominant self in a post season game!
In game one of the World Series, Kershaw threw 6 innings, allowing just 2 hits and only one earned run, while collecting 8 strikeouts. Kershaw helped to lead his team to an 8-3 victory, giving LA a 1-0 lead in the series.
Along with getting the victory, Kershaw was able to achieve a few personal accolades as well. With his 8 strikeouts, the 32-year-old joined Justin Verlander as the only pitchers to ever strike out 200+ batters in the history of the postseason, taking down John Smoltz for second in the all-time list.
In addition, this was the first time in his career (regular season or postseason) that his opponents swung and missed at 50% (or more) of his pitches. This was yet another feather in the cap of the decorated ace.
And if that wasn’t enough, Kershaw also reached his 12th career victory in the postseason. This ties him with Hall of Famer, Roger Clemens, for fifth in the all-time list as well. It also takes his record to .500 for the first time in a while (12-12). So much for that Kershaw Curse???? He has definitely overcome his first obstacle, but there is certainly a long way to go. We’ll have to wait and see!
Kershaw and the Dodgers know that the job isn’t done yet. Tonight, they’ll have to suit up again for the second game of the World Series. Awaiting them is the same hungry Tampa team, backed into a corner. And though the outcome is anything but certain, one thing is for sure: we’ll be seeing a battle that will be exciting until the bitter end!
What do you think? Do the Dodgers have this one in the bag? Is the Kershaw Curse over? Let me know in the comments! And, as always, thanks for reading!!!
-DT-
10/21/20
DT's Sports Talk 