The Dodgers got only one hit tonight, but it was enough thanks to Clayton Kershaw, who propelled the Dodgers to a 1-0 victory over the Giants. It was the first complete game and first shutout of Kershaw's career.
Kershaw's previous career high in innings pitched was eight, which he accomplished four times. On the night, he gave up four hits and no walks, while striking out four. Kershaw became the fourth Dodger to hurl a complete game shutout this season, joining Chad Billingsley, Ted Lilly, and Vicente Padilla. All four complete game shutouts have come since the All-Star break.
The one hit by the Dodgers, a base hit by Matt Kemp in the second inning, wasn't even consequential to the Dodgers' run. Kemp was caught stealing that inning, the 15th time that has happened this year. The Dodger run came in the sixth inning, thanks to a hit batsman, two walks, and an error.
This was only the sixth game since 1920 in which the Dodgers have won while collecting one hit or less. The last such win was June 28, 2008, the no-hit win against Anaheim. The last time before that was Sandy Koufax's perfect game on September 9, 1965.
When Aubrey Huff struck out to leadoff the seventh inning, that was Kershaw's 200th strikeout of the season. It is the 43rd season of 200 strikeouts or more in Dodger history. The last such season was by Chad Billingsley, who had 201 strikeouts in 2008.
Speaking of Billingsley, he battles Matt Cain in the second game of the series tomorrow tonight.
WP - Clayton Kershaw (12-10): 9 IP, 4 hits, 4 strikeouts
LP - Barry Zito (8-13): 5 2/3 IP, 1 hit, 1 unearned run, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts