Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Returns and Helps Dodgers End Losing Streak
The Los Angeles Dodgers (92-41) ended their five game losing streak by winning a close game against San Diego Friday night.
Clayton Kershaw returned to the mound and did what he does best… lead the team to victory. A lot of individuals have been curious about how he’d adjust his mechanics to match the mobility of his lower back, but he looked great.
Kershaw accumulated seven strikeouts, no walks and only surrendered two hits while allowing zero runs in his first start since July 23. His 6-inning performance improved his record to 16-2, and his ERA dropped to 1.95 (leads MLB in both categories).
The Padres (59-75) are one of the worst teams in the league. The Dodgers have won the last 10 out of 13 meetings, but this game wasn’t easy at all.
Dinelson Lamet has been on a roll lately, and he’s registered an astounding .189 opponent batting average during the post All-Star break period (2nd in MLB). The batting order struggled against him throughout the evening, but Chase Utley delivered an RBI single to center in the 6th that eventually won the game.
It was certainly a rough performance offensively, but the Dodgers showed some resilience. Lamet throws a nasty slider that’s got great spin, and it gave hitters headaches.
A win is a win. This game was similar to the 1-0 victory that took place in Chicago on July 18th against a young White Sox team, desperate to upset baseball’s best club.
Kershaw ironically pitched that game as well, and the Dodgers kept grinding throughout the entire game to move onto the next. This team’s defense is overlooked too much. Dave Roberts can rely on his players to play several positions, react quicker than an average team and force the issue towards the tail end of ball games.
Saturday’s doubleheader features Brock Stewart and Yu Darvish as the starters. Look for the Dodgers to use these games as an opportunity to get their groove back, and give the call-ups more experience in the big leagues.
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