Player of the Series: Dodgers starting pitching

Usually the “Player of the Series” is awarded to a single player, but this time, it wasn’t possible.

Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May were spectacular in their pitching performances, leading the Dodgers to a 3-game sweep of the Cardinals. They combined to pitch 18 ²⁄₃ innings, allowed 11 hits, two runs, three walks and dealt 23 strikeouts.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Gonsolin started off the series with six shutout innings against the Birds. He only allowed two hits and a walk in his seven strikeout game. Though he was sent back down to Triple-A after his marvelous performance, he will likely make a return to the team this season. Perhaps in September, but definitely in October.

Kershaw did his thing in game two, throwing seven innings and holding the Cardinals to four hits. He did allow a run early on in the game, but quickly whipped back into shape as he normally does. After the run allowed, he retired the next 13 batters he faced. The southpaw struck out nine in his outing with a mix of sliders, curveballs and fastballs.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

May continued the starting pitching dominance with his Wednesday afternoon performance on the mound. He only made one pitching mistake, which allowed the Cardinals to score a run, but he was flawless otherwise. He whiffed seven batters and only allowed a total of six runners to reach base.

It’s quite comforting to know that two of the three starters in this series are not regulars in the rotation. Gonsolin and May are both in the early stages of their major league career, with bright futures and potential to help the Dodgers win this Fall.