True Blue LA - July 10: Dodgers 2, Padres 1Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2014-07-10T23:07:14-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/56532302014-07-10T23:07:14-07:002014-07-10T23:07:14-07:00Kershaw can think about All-Star Game now
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<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> was stellar, again, in his final start before the All-Star break, pitching his third complete game of the year, striking out 11 in a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Now that Kershaw's next start for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> won't come until July 18 at the earliest, the ultra-focused ace can turn his attention to Target Field in Minnesota, where he will pitch in his fourth straight All-Star Game on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>"Now I can start thinking about it," Kershaw said after the game.</p>
<p>Kershaw has as good a case as any to start the game, building a resume that looks just as good if not better than any of his last three seasons, which saw him finish first, second and first in National League Cy Young voting. Here are some Kershaw numbers at the All-Star break in each of the last four years:</p>
<ul>
<li>2011: 9-4, 3.03 ERA, 147 strikeouts, 35 walks</li>
<li>2012: 6-5, 2.91 ERA, 119 strikeouts, 32 walks</li>
<li>2013: 8-6, 1.98 ERA, 139 strikeouts, 35 walks</li>
<li>2014: 11-2, 1.78 ERA, 126 strikeouts, 13 walks<br> </li>
</ul>
<p>Did I mention Kershaw missed five weeks this year on the disabled list?</p>
<p>While Kershaw would certainly be deserving of the start on Tuesday, don't be surprised if he doesn't get the nod. Mike Matheny, manager of the National League pennant-winning <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>, manages the NL squad, and his own ace <span>Adam Wainwright</span> is having a typically excellent season.</p>
<p>Wainwright is 11-4 with a 1.79 ERA with 111 strikeouts and 27 walks, and has pitched 35 more innings than Kershaw this season. He would be a worthy choice to start Tuesday, no matter the manager or team affiliation.</p>
<p>Don Mattingly gave the politically correct answer when asked who he would start in the All-Star Game, and even took it a step further.</p>
<p>"If I'm Mike Matheny I probably start my own guy, but if I'm me I start my guy," Mattingly said. "If I'm Bud Black I'm starting <span>[Odrisamer] Despaigne</span>."</p>
<p>Kershaw has pitched scoreless innings in each of his previous three All-Star Game appearances. The difference in starting or pitching in relief would likely be pitching two innings on Tuesday instead of one. Kershaw said he was ready for anything in Minnesota.</p>
<p>"Whatever Mike decides is fine with me. I'm just happy to get to be going," Kershaw said. "Just getting to go with three teammates, that's pretty cool."</p>
<p>Kershaw will be joined on the NL squad by teammates <span>Zack Greinke</span>, <span>Yasiel Puig</span> and <span>Dee Gordon</span>.</p>
<h5>Up next</h5>
<p>The Dodgers try for a second straight win, with <span>Dan Haren</span> on the mound in his final start before the All-Star break. Haren will make his 335th career start on Friday night, while Padres rookie <span>Jesse Hahn</span> makes his seventh major league start for San Diego.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5889747/clayton-kershaw-all-star-gameEric Stephen2014-07-10T21:41:53-07:002014-07-10T21:41:53-07:00Kershaw's scoreless streak ends at 41 in win
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<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> saw his historic scoreless inning streak come to an end, but he still turned in a typical brilliant performance in a 2-1 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Kershaw allowed a run in the six inning, but extended his scoreless streak to 41 innings, tied for the fifth-longest streak of the expansion era, per the Elias Sports Bureau.</p>
<p>"We're not supposed to give up runs," Kershaw said after the game. "That's our job."</p>
<p>Kershaw struck out 11 and walked one in his nine innings, allowing only three hits. For the first time since April 4, Kershaw qualifies for the ERA leaderboard with 95⅓ innings in 94 team games. His 1.775 ERA leads the majors, narrowly over <span>Adam Wainwright</span> (1.786).</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" align="center" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="4">Longest scoreless streaks since 1961 </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><u><b>Pitcher</b></u></td>
<td align="center"><u><b>Team</b></u></td>
<td align="center"><u><b>Year</b></u></td>
<td align="center"><u><b>Innings</b></u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Orel Hershiser</td>
<td align="center">LA</td>
<td align="center">1988</td>
<td align="center">59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Don Drysdale</td>
<td align="center">LA</td>
<td align="center">1968</td>
<td align="center">58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bob Gibson</td>
<td align="center">StL</td>
<td align="center">1968</td>
<td align="center">47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Brandon Webb</span></td>
<td align="center">Ari</td>
<td align="center">2007</td>
<td align="center">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clayton Kershaw</td>
<td align="center">LA</td>
<td align="center">2014</td>
<td align="center">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Tiant</td>
<td align="center">Cle</td>
<td align="center">1968</td>
<td align="center">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"><i>Source: Elias Sports Bureau </i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p>With the win Kershaw improved to 11-2, and become the first <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> pitcher since Bob Welch in 1985 to win eight consecutive starts.</p>
<p>There was no-hitter energy in the ballpark, just as there always seems to be with Kershaw on the mound, especially of late. He did retire the first seven hitters of the game, but a one-out single by <span>Alexi Amarista</span> in the third inning ended that suspense rather early in the night.</p>
<p>Amarista reached second base, which was news in itself. With two outs <span>Chris Denorfia</span>, the man with three career home runs against Kershaw, grounded out to second base to end the threat.</p>
<p>San Diego dared to dream again in the fifth when <span>Cameron Maybin</span> drew a two-out walk and stole second base. But Amarista grounded out, again to second base, to end the inning.</p>
<p>During the streak, 18 hitters batted against Kershaw with runners in scoring position. They were 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts, nine groundouts and two walks, and haven't hit the ball out of the infield.</p>
<p>After stranding runners at third base in both the first and third innings, the fourth frame was telling a familiar refrain until with two outs <span>Scott Van Slyke</span> lofted a single into short right field for a 1-0 lead. He drove in <span>Yasiel Puig</span>, who led off the inning with a <i>stand-up</i> double off pitcher <span>Odrisamer Despaigne</span>.</p>
<p>Yes you read that right. The visual proof, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChadMoriyama/status/487435005937729536">thanks to Chad Moriyama</a>.</p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://giant.gfycat.com/BowedHarmoniousBlacknorwegianelkhound.gif"></p>
<p>That one run lead seemed insurmountable because, you know, Kershaw, so in the top of the sixth inning with <span>Chase Headley</span> at the plate I tried an attempt at humor.</p>
<blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>You know it's weird, Clayton Kershaw hasn't even allowed a home run during this streak</p>
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) <a href="https://twitter.com/truebluela/statuses/487441559017623552">July 11, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>A few pitches later Headley homered over the wall in left center field to tie the game at 1-1, and stop Kershaw's streak.</p>
<p>But the Dodgers got that run right back in the bottom of the inning, when <span>Hanley Ramirez</span> singled, stole second base and advanced to third on the throw, then scored on a sacrifice fly by <span>Adrian Gonzalez</span>.</p>
<p>Despaigne allowed only two runs in his seven innings, pushing his grand total to four runs allowed in four major league starts. He kept the Dodgers off balance all night.</p>
<p>"He reminded me of Cracker Barrel. He had us in rocking chairs, rocking us back and forth," manager Don Mattingly said after the game. "He throws different angles, so many different pitches. He can throw a slow curve ball, he throws a little harder, he can cut a ball, he can make a ball run, he'll give you angles. Shoot, he his 95 once and 94 once. He's fun to watch."</p>
<p>Almost as fun as watching Kershaw.</p>
<h5>Notes</h5>
<p>Padres first baseman <span>Tommy Medica</span> left the game with right groin tightness after grounding out in the second inning. He was replaced in the field by <span>Rene Rivera</span> in the bottom of the inning.</p>
<p>Thursday was Kershaw's third complete game of the season and 13th of his career. The 115 pitches were a season high, beating his previous high of 109.</p>
<p>The 11 strikeouts marked the third double-digit strikeout game for Kershaw this season, all in his last three home starts, with 39 strikeouts and three walks in those starts.</p>
<p>"He was ahead in the account and the guys were swinging," said catcher A.J. Ellis. "They are an aggressive team."</p>
<p>People <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%40truebluela&src=typd">really believe in jinxes</a>.</p>
<h5>Thursday particulars</h5>
<p><b>Home run</b>: Chase Headley (7)</p>
<p><b>WP - Clayton Kershaw (11-2)</b>: 9 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 11 strikeouts</p>
<p><b>LP - Odrisamer Despaigne (2-1)</b>: 7 IP, 7 hits, 2 runs, 7 strikeouts</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5889445/clayton-kershaw-scoreless-streak-ends-dodgers-padresEric Stephen2014-07-10T18:34:33-07:002014-07-10T18:34:33-07:00Maholm or Patterson to start Saturday
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<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LOS ANGELES -- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> pitcher <span>Josh Beckett</span> was out on the field at Dodger Stadium playing catch before Thursday's series opener against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>, four days after his last start and three days after a cortisone shot in his left hip.</p>
<p>Beckett was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with an impingement in his left hip, but with the timing of the All-Star break he could miss as little as one start.</p>
<p>"Josh feels good," manager Don Mattingly said on Thursday. "We're hopeful that this time will allow the injections to take hold, be able to strengthen areas he needs to, and just feel better in general."</p>
<p>Mattingly said either <span>Paul Maholm</span>, currently on the active roster, or <span>Red Patterson</span>, currently in Triple-A, would start for the Dodgers on Saturday, when Beckett was originally scheduled. It depends on how the next two games go, which basically means if Maholm isn't needed to pitch he will likely start on Saturday.</p>
<p>Mattingly said Maholm would probably be built up enough to throw 80-90 pitches. He was 1-4 with a 5.50 ERA in seven starts earlier this season, with 18 walks and 13 strikeouts in 37⅔ innings.</p>
<p>Patterson last pitched for the Isotopes on Sunday. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed one run in 4⅔ innings in his major league debut on May 1 in Minnesota, with three walks and one strikeout. He is 3-7 with a 5.50 ERA in 16 starts for Triple-A Albuquerque, with 72 strikeouts and 21 walks in 85⅔ innings.</p>
<p>Mattingly wouldn't commit to a timetable for Beckett's return, though he did say that per team doctors surgery isn't a consideration at this time. Mattingly compared it to the hip impingement suffered by <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> in 2012, an injury that caused Kershaw to miss one start and have a second start pushed back by two days.</p>
<p>"[Beckett] knows what he's dealing with now, and the fact that he's been able to deal with it has been good. The pitching part has been the easiest, and everything in between has been the tough stuff," Mattingly said. "Hopefully we can get any inflammation or soreness out of there during this time off."</p>
<p>The next time Beckett's spot in the rotation comes up is likely July 22, the Dodgers' fifth game after the All-Star break.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5889333/josh-beckett-hip-paul-maholm-red-pattersonEric Stephen2014-07-10T17:08:55-07:002014-07-10T17:08:55-07:00Crawford activated from DL, accepts reserve role
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<figcaption>Victor Decolongon</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>To make room for Crawford on the active roster, Clint Robinson was designated for assignment.</p> <p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> on Thursday afternoon activated <span>Carl Crawford</span> from the disabled list after the outfielder missed 40 games with a sprained left ankle, but he returns to a situation with limited playing time, at least to start.</p>
<p>"I talked to Donnie. Things have been going well for the team, so he pretty much said he's going to leave it like it is and mix me in whenever he can. There's not much I can say to that," Crawford said. "Guys have been playing extremely well and we're back in first place. I just have to be ready for when my number is called, stay sharp and play well when I do get in the game.</p>
<p>Crawford played four games in left field with Triple-A Albuquerque on a minor league rehab assignment that ended Tuesday night, and was 5-for-11 (.455) at the plate with two triples and a stolen base for the Isotopes.</p>
<p>Crawford is active, and says he's 100 percent. But he is a reserve for now. The team is a half-game ahead of San Francisco in the National League West and is 19-11 in its last 30 games, making it easier for Crawford to accept the relatively bad news.</p>
<p>"It's something you never want to hear," Crawford admitted. "We're winning, so you definitely don't want to be the guy complaining and bitching about dumb stuff. I'm not that guy."</p>
<p>Asked if he has played on teams with "that guy," Crawford laughed as he answered.</p>
<p>"You see them all the time," he said with a smile.</p>
<p>Crawford on the season is hitting .267/.293/.400 with four home runs, nine stolen bases and 21 runs scored in 44 games. Not that there is ever a <i>good</i> time to get hurt, but his ankle sprain came at a time when he was hot, hitting .333/.358/.513 in May.</p>
<p>With his hot hitting Crawford had started 17 of 22 games before getting hurt. <span>Matt Kemp</span>, banished from center field, has started 39 of 40 games in left, hitting .281/.335/.425 with eight doubles, three home runs, two triples and 21 RBI during that span.</p>
<p>Manager Don Mattingly was noncommittal about Crawford's playing time.</p>
<p>"We'll see how it goes," Mattingly said. "It depends on how we play."</p>
<p>To make room for Crawford, the Dodgers designated first baseman / outfielder <span>Clint Robinson</span> for assignment.</p>
<p>Robinson was 3-for-9 with a walk, three runs scored and two RBI in nine games. The 29-year-old left-hander was used mostly as a pinch hitter, but also played three games at first base, including one start. He was out of options, having used three option years in 2011, 2012 and 2013.</p>
<p>"We felt like he was swinging the bat well for us, but it was kind of a numbers thing," Mattingly said. "We hope he ends up in the big leagues with someone, and if he doesn't we hope he ends up back with us."</p>
<p>The Dodgers have 10 days to trade or release Robinson, and barring a deal he will have to be placed on waivers at some point in the next eight days. If Robinson clears waivers, the Dodgers can outright him to Triple-A Albuquerque if they so choose, which was the route taken with <span>Jamie Romak</span> in June.</p>
<p>The Dodgers have 39 players on their 40-man roster.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5808262/carl-crawford-activated-disabled-list-dodgers-clint-robinsonEric Stephen2014-07-10T15:33:00-07:002014-07-10T15:33:00-07:00Hanley & Puig swap spots, Kemp still in LF
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> plan to activate outfielder <span>Carl Crawford</span> for this weekend's series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> - the announcement hasn't been made officially just yet - but Crawford won't be in the starting lineup for Thursday night's series opener against San Diego.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h4>Starting Lineups</h4>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#996600" width="125"><font color="#ffff66"><b>Padres</b></font></td>
<td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#1e90ff" width="125"><font color="#ffffff"><b>Dodgers</b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Denorfia</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Gordon (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Headley (S)</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Ramirez</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Quentin</td>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Puig</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Medica</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Gonzalez (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Grandal (S)</td>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Kemp</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Conrad (S)</td>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Van Slyke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Maybin</td>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Uribe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Amarista (S)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Ellis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td>Despaigne</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>Kershaw (L)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<span><b>Location</b>: Dodger Stadium<br> <b>Time</b>: 7:10 p.m. PT<br> <b>TV</b>: SportsNet LA</span>
</div>
<p><span>Matt Kemp</span> starts in left field, his 40th start in 41 games since Crawford was placed on the disabled list with a sprained left ankle.</p>
<p><span>Hanley Ramirez</span> is back at shortstop after two games at designated hitter in Detroit, and he flipped spots with <span>Yasiel Puig</span>. Ramirez is batting second and Puig third, something that was tried 13 times in a 16-game stretch in June.</p>
<p>Ramirez is hitting .345/.435/.534 batting second this season, including 16 starts. Puig though has just one home run in 30 games batting third, hitting .286/.362/.393.</p>
<p><span>Scott Van Slyke</span> is in center field against the right-handed <span>Odrisamer Despaigne</span>, the seventh start against a right-handed pitcher for Van Slyke this season.</p>
<p><span>Chris Denorfia</span>, hitting .310/.412/.690 with three home runs in 34 plate appearances against <span>Clayton Kershaw</span>, starts in right field and bats leadoff for the Padres.</p>
<p><span>Chase Headley</span> has the most career plate appearances among Padres against Kershaw with 50, but is 10-for-48 (.208) against him with three doubles, a triple and two walks. <span>Cameron Maybin</span> is 2-for-16 (.125) with two walks and five strikeouts. <span>Carlos Quentin</span> is 3-for-11 (.273) with a double and a walks, and <span>Yasmani Grandal</span> is 4-for-8 (.500) with a double and a walk.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5888831/dodgers-padres-lineups-hanley-ramirez-yasiel-puig-matt-kempEric Stephen2014-07-10T14:00:05-07:002014-07-10T14:00:05-07:00Kershaw faces offensively-challenged Padres
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cMDv2AmPEDcIkFJbJE3WSMNaOWI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35442402/451453396.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lisa Blumenfeld</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> will try to snap a two-game losing streak as they open a four-game weekend series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>, but most of the focus on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium will be on <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> and his 36-inning scoreless streak.</p>
<p>Kershaw is 9-6 with a 2.47 ERA in 21 career starts against the Padres, though since his <i>career</i> ERA is a scant 2.55 it is just normal. The left-hander hasn't faced <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/9/5885859/clayton-kershaw-dodgers-padres-offense-pitching-matchups">the historically bad offense of the 2014 Padres</a>, but in his last start against San Diego, last Sept. 21, Kershaw did pitch seven scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts.</p>
<p>The Dodgers ace has won his last seven starts and with a win on Thursday would be the first Dodgers pitcher to win eight straight starts <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?t=p&id=welchbo01&year=1985#207-214-sum">since Bob Welch in 1985.</a></p>
<p>But about that scoreless streak:</p>
<ul>
<li>During the 36 innings, Kershaw has five walks and 45 strikeouts.</li>
<li>Opposing hitters have 16 hits - 13 singles and three doubles - and are hitting .130/.164/.154.</li>
<li>Left-handers have fared better against Kershaw during the streak, 6-for-27 with a double, two walks and nine strikeouts (.222/.276/.259).</li>
<li>Right-handers are 10-for-96 with two doubles, three walks and 36 strikeouts (.104/.131/.125).<br> </li>
<li>Exactly half - 18 of 36 - of the innings have been 1-2-3 innings.</li>
<li>In just four of the 36 innings, two runners have reached base.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Dodgers have played 43 games this season against the National League West, and have won four of six games against San Diego, but Thursday marks the Padres' first trip to Los Angeles in 2014.</p>
<p>San Diego will start 27-year-old Cuban free agent signee <span>Odrisamer Despaigne</span>, who has allowed no more than one run in any of his three major league starts. He also has eight walks and just five strikeouts in 19⅔ innings.</p>
<p>The Padres have been shutout 12 times in 2014, tied with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> for the most in baseball.</p>
<p>San Diego has scored one or zero run 29 times this year, <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/QTNhd">five more times than any other team</a>.</p>
<p>The Padres has scored two or fewer runs 46 times, <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/XdxJp">nine more than any other team in baseball</a>.</p>
<p>San Diego has scored three or fewer runs 23 times in their last 31 games.</p>
<p><span>Chris Denorfia</span> is 9-for-29 (.310) with three home runs against Kershaw, one of only two batters with more than two home runs against Kershaw (joining the left-handed <span>Adam Dunn</span>, who has four home runs in 14 plate appearances against Kershaw).</p>
<p>Denorfia, a career .304/.370/.450 hitter against southpaws, is hitting just .274/.329/.370 with no home runs in 79 PA against lefties this season, but also hitting .187/.260/.231 overall in his last 39 games (cherry-picking to be sure, as Denorfia was also 6-for-14 with a double and a walk at Coors Field this week).</p>
<p>Kershaw at home has 62 strikeouts and four walks in six starts and 45 innings this season.</p>
<h5>Game info</h5>
<p>Time: 7:10 p.m. PT</p>
<p>TV: SportsNet LA</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5887911/clayton-kershaw-streak-dodgers-padres-previewEric Stephen2014-07-10T12:30:02-07:002014-07-10T12:30:02-07:00Don't forget about Newcombe's scoreless streak
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<img alt="Don't forget about Don Newcombe's scoreless streak." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kPWHJHKtyPx-8Xz3BHT-n6f1teE=/0x112:1603x1181/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35438334/don-newcombe-dodgers-1950s-diamond-images-getty.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Don't forget about Don Newcombe's scoreless streak. | <a href='http://www.gettyimages.com'>Diamond Images / Getty Images</a></figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> ace <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> takes his 36-inning scoreless streak into Thursday night's series opener against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> at Dodger Stadium. The two top scoreless streaks in baseball history both belong to Dodgers, with Orel Hershiser's 59 innings in 1988 surpassing Don Drysdale's 58 innings in 1968.</p>
<p>But there is one more Dodgers streak still ahead of Kershaw, but in play for the left-hander on Thursday night. Don Newcombe had a 39-inning scoreless streak for Brooklyn in 1956.</p>
<p>Newcombe was an established star for the Dodgers by 1956, the year he turned 30. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1949 and made the National League All-Star team in four of his first five seasons, interrupted only by missing the 1952 and 1953 seasons with military service.</p>
<p>He was 11-5 with a 3.74 ERA in the first half in 1956, and didn't make the All-Star team. But he finished the season 16-2 with a 2.64 ERA in 21 games, including 20 starts, after the break, to capture both NL MVP honors and the first Cy Young Award, then a major league award.</p>
<p>Newcombe's streak began <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO195607250.shtml">against the Reds on July 25 at Ebbets Field</a>, the site of all 39 scoreless innings. In the top of the third inning, rookie Frank Robinson hit a solo home run, his 22nd of the season on his way to tying a major league record with 38 home runs as a rookie. Newcombe allowed only three singles the rest of the way, retiring 19 of his final 22 batters faced, earning his fifth straight win when Duke Snider hit a walk-off home run off Brooks Lawrence in the ninth inning.</p>
<p>Four days later, Newcombe <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO195607291.shtml">shutout the Cubs on five hits</a>. The Dodgers won 1-0 in the first game of a doubleheader, with the only run a home run by shortstop Pee Wee Reese in the eighth inning off Jim Davis (not the Garfield author).</p>
<p>The streak was at 15.</p>
<p>On Aug. 2, Newcombe <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO195608020.shtml">struck out 10 Braves in a four-hit shutout</a>, winning 3-0 behind home runs by Carl Furillo and Roy Campanella. Newcombe walked none, and didn't allow more than one runner to reach base in any one inning.</p>
<p>After two starts on three days rest, Newcombe <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO195608070.shtml">took the mound on Aug. 7 against the Pirates on four days rest</a> but the result was the same. He shutout Pittsburgh on six hits while walking two and striking out six. Newcombe was helped out by a pair of double plays, and backed by a two-run home run from Snider in another 3-0 Dodgers win.</p>
<p>It was the third straight shutout for Newcombe, the <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/P80KS">only Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher to do so dating back to at least 1914</a>. Newcombe also <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?t=p&id=newcodo01&year=1949#27-29-sum">had three consecutive shutouts as a rookie in 1949</a>, part of a 31-inning scoreless streak.</p>
<p>After his shutout of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a>, Newcombe's streak was now 33 innings, setting a new career high.</p>
<p>Newcombe entered <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO195608110.shtml">his Aug. 11 game against the Phillies</a> with not only a scoreless streak but an eight-start winning streak, was even better against Philadelphia. He faced the minimum 18 batters through six innings, allowing only a leadoff walk in the third inning to Granny Hamner, who was erased on a double play.</p>
<p>Richie Ashburn tried to bunt for a hit to open the seventh, but popped out to catcher Dixie Howell. Marv Blalock ended the no-hit bid after 6⅓ innings with a single, then Stan Lopata took Newcombe deep to end the streak at 39 innings.</p>
<p>Newcombe did finish the game without allowing another hit, winning his ninth straight start with his sixth consecutive complete game, improving to 18-5 with a 2.97 ERA, the first time his ERA was under 3.00 since May 8.</p>
<p>Kershaw needs three scoreless innings to catch Newcombe and four to pass him. In 13 starts this season, Kershaw has began with at least three scoreless innings nine times and has started with at least four scoreless innings seven times.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/10/5887661/don-newcombe-scoreless-streak-dodgers-clayton-kershawEric Stephen