The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted an emotional final regular season start for future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw on Friday.
One of the main reasons for the Dodgers coming back and eventually winning, 6-3, was superstar Shohei Ohtani via a three-run shot in the fifth inning.
The three-time MVP spoke highly of the three-time Cy Young award winner via a team spokesperson, but made sure to note that the job is far from finished.
More news: Dodgers Players Want to Win World Series for Clayton Kershaw
“Congratulations on an amazing, storybook, Hall of Fame career. I’ve always admired how you’ve gone about your business in such a professional way, and the success you’ve had is a true reflection of your dedication and commitment to the game.
“It’s been awesome competing against you throughout the years, and now sharing a World Championship as your teammate has been a true honor. Let’s enjoy this last month and go out with a splash!!”
Additionally, Ohtani posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself and Kershaw hugging in the dugout after Kershaw threw his final regular season pitch at Dodger Stadium.
More news: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Apologized to Dave Roberts After Exiting Friday’s Game
Both Ohtani and Kershaw will one day be immortalized in Cooperstown, but there is still one item for both of them to accomplish before Kershaw officially retires from the game of baseball, and that can be achieved at the end of October.
The kind words from Ohtani after the game and the social media tribute are extremely generous, but Ohtani showed his true feelings with his actions, launching his three-run shot to help secure the win. Much like how Mookie Betts would hit a home run of his own on the first pitch of his at-bat following Ohtani’s dinger, LA will try to go back-to-back this October, becoming the first conesecutive champions of the baseball world in 25 years.
More news: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Reveals When He Knew He Was Going to Retire This Season
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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One Response
article states Team members want to win the WS for Kershaw……I don’t think Treinen or Scott are in that mix.