Clayton Kershaw has vintage performance in win over Rockies

I’m pretty sure this is the third or fourth time I’ve had the word ‘vintage’ in the title of an article following a Clayton Kershaw start this season. I’m sorry, I can’t help it if it’s true. Kershaw looked like vintage Kershaw on Saturday night.

To be honest, since he is still arguably one of the best pitchers in the National League, is it even fair to call it vintage when he’s still dominating out there? Nevertheless, he looked great as the Dodgers defeated the Rockies 6-1, making their magic number to clinch the division three.

For the game, Kershaw went seven innings. My guess is that if this was an absolute must-win game or if it was a one-run game, he would have gone back out there in the eighth. He had made only 86 pitches, but with a five-run cushion, there’s no real need for him to go back out there. You know, aside from all of us greedy fans wanting to see him throw a complete game at Coors Field. Oh well, next time!

In his seven innings, Kershaw allowed only one run on four hits. He struck out six and walked zero. After a bit of a shaky first inning, Kershaw retired 11 straight Rockies after allowing a leadoff single in the second inning.

On the season, Kershaw’s ERA stands at 2.15. For 99% of pitchers that would be a historic season for them. For Kershaw? Oh, you know. His FIFTH best! Truly remarkable.

The Dodgers’ offense didn’t score 15 runs tonight, unfortunately. However, they did put up six. They put two on the board in the first inning. Justin Turner singled and Cody Bellinger walked, putting two on with two out. Chris Taylor, who has been absolutely raking at the plate lately, tripled both runners in to give LA the 2-0 lead.

Staying on the topic of Taylor’s hot bat, he homered a few innings later.

It was a close game, as the Dodgers led 3-1 entering the seventh inning. Just like last night, the Dodgers had a big seventh inning. They scored three runs, thanks to an AJ Pollock home run and some sloppy plays from the Rockies. Mookie Betts also did this.

Saturday particulars

WP: Clayton Kershaw (6-2) 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 SO, 0 BB

LP: Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-2) 5 IP, 3 ER, 2 SO

Home runs: Chris Taylor (7) AJ Pollock (12)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers will go for the series sweep tomorrow afternoon. Tony Gonsolin (1-1, 1.51 ERA) will get the start for LA. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m. PT.