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Clayton Kershaw finishes with a flourish

The left-hander struck out eight in eight innings to close out his 2012 season, leading the major leagues in ERA for the second straight year.

Stephen Dunn - Getty Images

Clayton Kershaw was medically cleared to pitch for the Dodgers in their series finale, and the left-hander wanted to start the season finale even though it was a meaningless game. Then again, if you could do what Kershaw could do, wouldn't you want to do it as often as possible?

Kershaw allowed one run in eight innings on Wednesday as the Dodgers beat the Giants 5-1, to finish their season with 86 wins.

Kershaw led the major leagues with a 2.53 ERA, the first Dodger to lead the league in ERA in consecutive years since Sandy Koufax (1962-1966).

Kershaw led the NL with a 1.023 WHIP, the first Dodger to lead the league in WHIP in consecutive years since Koufax.

Kershaw struck out eight to finish with 229 strikeouts, just one behind R.A. Dickey for the league lead.

Kershaw even had an RBI single in the game. Not a bad way to end his season.

Adrian Gonzalez singled to extend his hitting streak to 15 games, which will carry over into next season.

Kenley Jansen recorded the final three outs of the season for the Dodgers to preserve the win, with two strikeouts. Jansen finished the year with a career high 99 strikeouts, just shy of the elusive century club.

Wednesday's Particulars

Home Runs: Alex Castellanos (1), Juan Rivera (9)

WP - Clayton Kershaw (14-9): 8 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts

LP - Clay Hensley (4-5): 1 IP, 2 hits, 1 run