Clayton Kershaw strikes out 10, Dodgers homer twice to beat Blue Jays

What a difference a day makes. On Saturday it was the Dodgers who hit two home runs, and rallied for other offense too, while Clayton Kershaw continued his stinginess for a 6-2 win over the Blue Jays on Saturday morning in Toronto.

Joc Pederson got the scoring going for the Dodgers with a solo home run against R.A. Dickey in the second inning, and Justin Turner hit his first home run of the year in the eighth inning for some insurance, but it was a three-run rally in the third inning that would give Kershaw all the breathing room he needed.

Kershaw allowed single runs in the second and fifth innings, and was at 101 pitches through six. But he finished the seventh inning, the seventh time in seven starts this season he has lasted at least seven innings.

He also struck out  10 and walked none, matching his own major league record with three straight games of double-digit strikeouts and zero walks (Chris Archer is the only other pitcher to accomplish the feat). Kershaw on the season has a ridiculous 64 strikeouts against three walks, including 34 strikeouts since his last walk.

Up next

The Dodgers go for the series win on Sunday morning, with Ross Stripling on the mound. Toronto counters with Marco Estrada.

Saturday particulars

Home runs: Joc Pederson (5), Justin Turner (1)

WP - Clayton Kershaw (4-1): 7 IP, 8 hits, 2 runs, 10 strikeouts

LP - R.A. Dickey (1-4): 7 IP, 6 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 1 walk, 3 strikeouts