Clayton Kershaw named July NL Pitcher of the Month

LOS ANGELES -- In what is becoming almost an annual tradition, Dodgers ace Clayton Kerhsaw was named National League Pitcher of the Month for July.

It is the fourth time in five years Kershaw has won Pitcher of the Month honors in July, along with 2011, 2013 and 2014. Kershaw also won Pitcher of the Month honors in June 2014.

Kershaw was dominant even though he was limited to only four starts during the month, allowing one run in 33 innings, going 3-0 with a 0.27 ERA and 45 strikeouts against only two walks during the month. Kershaw extended his scoreless streak to 29 innings through the end of July, then extended it to 37 innings on Saturday in his first start of August.

He beat out teammate Zack Greinke, who was 4-0 with a 0.95 ERA in five starts, with 34 strikeouts and five walks in 38 innings. Normally allowing four runs in five start is enough to win the monthly honor, but he fell short in July.

With five NL Pitcher of the Month awards, Kershaw has won more than any other Dodger, one more than Orel Hershiser and two more than Don Sutton and Fernando Valenzuela. The award began in 1975.

In 40 career starts in July, Kershaw is 25-6 with a 1.78 ERA, with 291 strikeouts and 60 walks in 283⅓ innings.