Dodgers Week 14 review: Clayton Kershaw leads the climb

LOS ANGELES -- In a week of games against the "Show Me" state, the Dodgers showed a little something winning two more series, including three of four games at home in an NLCS rematch against the Cardinals, allowing all of four runs in four games.

Three weeks ago the Dodgers trailed San Francisco by 9½ games. They sliced three games off two weeks ago, lopped 2½ more games off the deficit from June 16-22, and completely closed the gap by gaining four games in the last week. The Dodgers took 21 days to erase a 9½-game deficit, five days faster than the Dodgers' sublime turnaround one year ago.

Dodger Batter of the Week: Second baseman Dee Gordon was on fire, hitting nearly .500 (13-for-27) while making an All-Star push. Gordon hit one triple and nearly hit two more, settling for doubles in both cases. The only negative side of the ledger was getting caught in two of three stolen base attempts.

Dodger Pitcher of the Week: This was a rough week to be Josh Beckett, who pitched seven scoreless innings in a fantastic duel on Thursday with Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals. Beckett extended his scoreless streak to 14 innings, but both marks took a back seat to Clayton Kershaw, who pitched eight scoreless innings against the Royals on Tuesday then struck out 13 in seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals on Sunday. The Dodgers' ace is at the peak of his game and has a 28-inning scoreless inning streak.

Game of the Week

Sunday: Dodgers 6, Cardinals 0 Thursday's duel was classic, but Kershaw's 13 strikeouts and earning a virtual tie for first place make Sunday the choice. (Photo: Robert Hanashiro | USA Today Sports).

Week 14 Record: 5-2
27 runs scored (3.86 per game)
13 runs allowed (1.86 per game)
.792 pythagorean winning percentage

2014 Record: 47-37
356 runs scored (4.24 per game)
302 runs allowed (3.60 per game)
.575 pythagorean winning percentage (48-36)

Miscellany

Twelve different Dodgers pitched during the week, and only three of them allowed runs.

Dodgers relievers combined for 16 scoreless innings, with 16 strikeouts and three walks.

On Wednesday in Kansas City, with closer Kenley Jansen unavailable after pitching in four of the previous five days, Brian Wilson pitched a scoreless ninth to preserve a one-run lead over the Royals, the first save for Wilson since April 12, 2012.

Transactions

Wednesday: First baseman Clint Robinson was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque as the Dodgers shifted to a more left-handed bench. Corner man Jamie Romak was designated for assignment.

Thursday: Third baseman Juan Uribe was activated from the disabled list after missing 34 games with a right hamstring strain, and infielder Carlos Triunfel was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Saturday: Jamie Romak cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Sunday: Infielder Justin Turner was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring, with Carlos Triunfel recalled from Albuquerque.

Game Results

• Monday: Royals 5, Dodgers 3
• Tuesday: Dodgers 2, Royals 0
• Wednesday: Dodgers 5, Royals 4
• Thursday: Dodgers 1, Cardinals 0
• Friday: Cardinals 3, Dodgers 1
• Saturday: Dodgers 9, Cardinals 1
• Sunday: Dodgers 6, Cardinals 0

Upcoming Week

The Dodgers run the Alex Cole gauntlet, with three games at home against the Indians followed by four games in Denver against the Rockies.

Previous weeks: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13

Week 14 Stats