Dodgers Recap: Kersh back in the saddle as LA salvages finale

ST. LOUIS — For all the concern about the Dodgers’ recent struggles with runners in scoring position, Sunday’s series finale at Busch Stadium offered two much-needed developments: timely hitting—and the best outing of the year from a future Hall of Famer.

Clayton Kershaw, in just his fifth start back from the injured list, turned in a vintage performance, striking out seven batters over five strong innings to pick up his first win of the season in a 7–3 Dodgers victory over the Cardinals. The left-hander scattered six hits, walked none, and consistently got ahead in counts—finally finding his signature putaway pitch when he needed it most. And for good measure, he passed former teammate Zack Greinke for sole possession of 20th place on the all-time strikeout list. He now sits just 17 away from the mythical 3,000 mark.

The outing marked a major step forward for Kershaw, who had labored through his previous starts. Against the Cardinals, however, he mixed speeds and locations effectively, inducing swings and misses in big moments—including a strikeout of Brendan Donovan to escape a bit of a jam in the fifth.

Just as welcome for the Dodgers was the resurgence of their offense with runners in scoring position. Entering the game hitting a paltry 1-for-25 for the series, the bats finally came alive in the second inning. Max Muncy and Will Smith opened the frame with back-to-back singles, and Tommy Edman followed with an RBI single to open the scoring.

Moments later, Hyeseong Kim tripled down the right-field line, bringing in two more runs and giving the Dodgers a 3–0 lead they would never relinquish.

Will Smith continued his productive day with a leadoff triple in the fourth, later scoring on Edman’s RBI double. Betts added a solo shot—his ninth of the year—in the seventh to make it 5–2. The Dodgers tacked on two more in the eighth, thanks to Edman’s sac fly and a passed ball on a walk to Kiké Hernández that allowedMuncy to score without a throw.

In total, the Dodgers went 4-for-9 with runners in scoring position—hardly dominant, but a welcome sign of progress after a frustrating week at the plate.

Kershaw’s five-inning effort lowered his ERA to 4.35 and gave him his first win this season (number 213 for his career). After missing the start of the year recovering from offseason toe surgery, Sunday’s outing was a reminder of how crucial the veteran lefty could be to the Dodgers’ October hopes if he rounds into form.

The Dodgers bullpen held the line after Kershaw departed, with Lou Trivino, Jack Dreyer, Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott, and Michael Kopech combining to allow just two runs over the final four innings. It was particularly good to see Yates and Kopech return, as both of them were coming off extended stays on the IL. For Kopech, it was the first outing of the year. He gave up a hit, but hung a zero on the scoreboard to close out the game.

Defensive highlights included a great catch from Hyeseong Kim in center field and a slick 6–3 putout by Mookie Betts to end the eighth.

Kershaw’s strong return, paired with signs of life from the offense, made this win feel like more than just a series-clinching road victory—it felt like the start of something steadier. Just in time as we turn our eyes to Petco Park this week.

The road trip rolls on on Monday with the most anticipated series so far: the San Diego Padres, for the very first time this year, and the first time since their epic series last October. The Dodgers head into Petco Park, looking to keep hold of first place in the NL West. They will send Dustin May to the mound on Monday night to start off the series. The first pitch will come at 6:40 PDT. It’s going to be the first of seven games against the Friars this month. Sure to be must-see TV. Let’s go!

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