Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw loses 3 consecutive games for 1st time in career

A lack of run support hurt Clayton Kershaw once again.

For the first time in his career, Kershaw lost his third consecutive start as the Los Angeles Dodgers fell 3-2 to the Miami Marlins on Saturday. The three-time NL Cy Young winner was certainly not to blame, pitching seven strong while allowing only one earned run and striking out nine.

The Dodgers ace did unfurl a first-inning wild pitch that allowed Marcell Ozuna to score the Marlins' second run of the game.

A fielding error in the second inning by Rookie of the Year candidate Joc Pederson ended up being the difference, as J.T. Realmuto scored the game-winning run.

Kershaw then settled down, giving up only four hits the rest of the way, but the Dodger bats could not muster enough offense in support, wasting a third straight quality start from last year's NL MVP.

"I think it's a lot like Zack (Greinke)," manager Don Mattingly told reporters after the game. "We talked last week about is Zack getting frustrated because he's not getting a win. You can't really ask Kersh to pitch a whole lot better."

Kershaw pitched six innings and struck out 10 in a 5-3 loss to the Texas Rangers on June 12, and was also strong in a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, giving up three runs in seven innings and striking out nine.

Kershaw's next start is slated for July 3 against the New York Mets, who are expected to send Noah Syndergaard to the hill. Kershaw will be hoping his teammates can crack the rookie starter as he looks to get himself back in the win column.

"I'm fine," Kershaw said. "I mean, it never feels good to lose. But, yeah, I'm fine."