Kershaw dispels postseason demons in crucial win
With the Los Angeles Dodgers on the brink of elimination, Clayton Kershaw threw the best game of his postseason career.
The three-time Cy Young winner's October struggles have been well-documented, but Kershaw changed the narrative Tuesday, helping send the NLDS back to the West Coast with a 3-1 win over the New York Mets.
On just three days' rest, Kershaw was in complete control. The left-hander tossed seven innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out eight before handing the ball over to the bullpen.
"I was pretty fired up, I knew the adrenaline would take over," Kershaw said about pitching on short rest. "Fun environment. Definitely glad to be going back home. They like us more there."
LAST 5 POSTSEASON STARTS
| Date | Opp | IP | H | R | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9 2015 | NYM | 6.2 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
| Oct 7 2014 | STL | 6 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
| Oct 3 2014 | STL | 6.2 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Oct 18 2013 | STL | 4 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Oct 12 2013 | STL | 6 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
While Kershaw had stumbled to a 1-6 record and 4.99 ERA in 12 previous postseason appearances, it was the seventh inning that historically gave him the most trouble. He'd allowed 11 earned runs in the frame over his last three starts, but stranded a leadoff infield single Tuesday to escape the inning unscathed.
"Clayton Kershaw was just a beast," Mets third baseman David Wright told reporters after going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. "I don't think anybody was going to outpitch (him)."
Kershaw now hands the baton to fellow ace Zack Greinke, while the Mets counter with Jacob deGrom in Game 5.