Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Knows What He Must Do To Improve
Frustration.
That seemed to be the key word for the Los Angeles Dodgers following their third consecutive loss to the Texas Rangers.
Clayton Kershaw struck out 10 hitters, but allowed four runs (three earned) on Wednesday night in the 5-3 loss. He was visibly upset after rookie Joey Gallo blasted a two-run home run halfway up the pavilion in right field, resulting in Kershaw letting his emotions out once he returned to the dugout.
Kershaw talked about that frustration following the game. “This is probably the most frustrating game I’ve ever pitched, all things considered,” the reigning MVP said. It’s been that kind of season thus far for the left-hander, a combination of bloop hits, infield singles and the ensuing home runs.
He currently sits at 5-4 with a 3.29 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 14 starts. Kershaw has already allowed as many home runs as he did all of last season, and it appears his struggles got the best of him.
Getting past that, the All-Star pitcher got into what he needs to do to improve. “I got to figure out how to get some easier outs. I had a really big pitch count two games in a row. So I need to get back to getting some early outs and getting deeper into games,” Kershaw said.
After throwing six complete games in 2014, the 27-year-old has yet to throw one in 2015. He’s completed eight innings just once, but has gone at least 5.2 in every start this season. He leads the league in strikeouts and has three consecutive starts with double digit strikeouts.
Kershaw will face the Chicago Cubs on the road in his next start, missing out on the San Francisco Giants at home this upcoming weekend. The Dodgers will need their ace to get back into form in order to take home their third consecutive NL West crown.
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Since it is now well known that the pitch to hit off Kershaw is that very first pitch, then he needs to employ another pitch instead. The league knows his routine, so he must change it now. Maybe mix his pitches up more than usual.