Kershaw's 8-inning gem propels Dodgers to 2-0 series lead
Clayton Kershaw's postseason struggles are extinct.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Braves after a masterful performance from their ace on Friday. The 30-year-old left-hander completed eight innings for the first time in his playoff career, allowing no runs on two hits, zero walks, and three strikeouts.
Kershaw came out to the mound for the ninth, but was ultimately replaced by Kenley Jansen, who shut the door. Despite allowing a one-out hit to Ronald Acuna Jr., the closer sealed the victory by striking out Freddie Freeman with a runner on third.
Kershaw became the fourth pitcher in MLB history to have thrown at least eight shutout innings while allowing two or fewer hits and zero walks, joining Roger Clemens (2000), Vida Blue (1974), and Don Larsen (1956), according to Andrew Simon of MLB.com.
He entered the 2018 playoffs with a 4.35 postseason ERA - a stark contrast from his 2.39 regular season mark. Friday's victory lowered Kershaw's postseason ERA to a more respectable 4.08.
The Dodgers ace was notably passed over for Game 1 of the National League Division Series, as manager Dave Roberts gave fellow lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu the start. Despite Los Angeles going with Ryu - who spun a gem of his own on Thursday - Kershaw accepted his Game 2 task, stating "I don't need to prove myself to anyone."
The series now moves to SunTrust Park in Atlanta, with the Dodgers able to end the series in Game 3 on Sunday.