Kershaw takes first loss at home in nearly 2 years
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers’ bullpen was requested to cowl eight innings on Monday, and supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned pregame that they have been going to want a prolonged efficiency from Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday.
Kershaw was the right man to have on the mound for those who’re the Dodgers. For greater than a decade, at any time when they’ve wanted Kershaw to step up, the possible first-ballot Hall of Famer often delivers.
But in a uncommon prevalence, Kershaw wasn’t capable of come by way of this time, because the left-hander allowed two runs over simply 4 innings in a 5-1 loss to the Twins at Dodger Stadium.
With the loss, the Dodgers’ season-high six-game successful streak got here to an finish. It additionally marked the primary time Kershaw picked up a loss at Dodger Stadium since June 16, 2021, towards the Phillies.
“I just felt that he was more agitated, not in rhythm and you can see his frustration even with that,” mentioned Roberts. “I think there’s an intensity with him every time he takes the mound. But I think that agitation isn’t kind of typical for him.”
The previous few days have been difficult for Kershaw, who misplaced his mom over the weekend. Given that it’s a non-public matter, Kershaw didn’t need to get into many particulars. After his postgame scrum got here to an finish, Kershaw did, nevertheless, take a second to thank everybody who reached out over the previous couple of days.
“It’s been humbling to see how many people have reached out, and [I’m] thankful for that,” Kershaw mentioned. “She was a great lady. Just thank you to everybody that’s reached out. It’s really nice.”
Despite his mom’s loss of life, Kershaw was dedicated to creating his begin and he already mentioned he’s going to make his subsequent scheduled begin on Sunday in St. Louis. But it didn’t take lengthy to see that Kershaw didn’t have his normal elite command, significantly with the four-seam fastball. Kershaw received 12 swings and misses on his slider, however he solely received two whiffs on the four-seamer and the Twins put the ball in play six occasions towards the heater.
“Just overall the stuff just wasn’t as good as the other day in Milwaukee,” Kershaw mentioned. “Just from the beginning, wasn’t coming out like it was last start. That happens sometimes. Just get ready to go from there.”
Donovan Solano began the sport with a loud double off Kershaw, and he got here round to attain on a two-out RBI single from Kyle Farmer. Both hits got here towards Kershaw’s four-seamer.
Kershaw didn’t quit a run within the second or third innings, however his pitch depend continued to rise. He didn’t have a single clear inning and allowed two or extra baserunners in three of his 4 innings.
In the fourth, Kershaw’s tempo additionally appeared off. He walked Michael A. Taylor to begin the inning and was later known as for a balk after three unsuccessful pickoffs. Later within the inning, Kershaw was known as for a pitch timer violation, his first of the season. The Twins have been capable of capitalize on a few of his errors, scoring a second run off Kershaw.
Mookie Betts, nevertheless, restricted the injury by beginning a key 4-6-3 double play to assist Kershaw get out of the inning. But at 90 pitches and his stuff not as crisp, the Dodgers determined to finish Kershaw’s outing. At 4 innings, it was his shortest begin of the season. That compelled Justin Bruihl and Shelby Miller to shoulder the workload, every tossing two innings.
“Not a great night, pitch-count wise,” Kershaw mentioned. “Especially with the extra-inning game last night. Definitely wanted to get deeper in the game.”
