Steve Webb
CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — Amazing. Even though we should no longer be shocked by it, seeing Clayton Kershaw on one of his “on” nights is something to behold. Saturday night at Dodger Stadium was one such game, as Kershaw pitched an efficient and beautiful seven innings of two-hit shutout ball against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dodgers’ hitters provided juuuuuust enough offense to eke out a 1-0 win.
The Dodgers would get all the scoring they would need in the bottom of the 2nd inning. James Outman, who has been struggling mightily at the plate in recent days, started it off with a one-out single. It was one of a couple of hits the rookie outfielder had on the night, a good sign for the team. Then, during Trayce Thompson‘s at-bat, Outman swiped second and scampered to third with catcher Adam Knizner’s errant throw. Thompson would end up striking out, bringing Austin Barnes to the plate.
Barnes, who is still the everyday catcher (Will Smith is scheduled to make his return to the position on Sunday), started the season in a horrible slump. However, over the past few days, he’s been swinging the lumber a lot better. In this one, Barnes pounced on the first offering from St. Louis starter Jordan Montgomery and ripped a solid base hit into center field, allowing Outman to score easily from third. It was 1-0 Dodgers, and there it would stay for the rest of the night.
But this game was all about Mr. Clayton Edward Kershaw. Looking as good as he has at any point in recent memory, Kershaw was in total command on the mound from the first pitch. Pounding the strike zone, Kershaw had the Cardinals hitters completely flummoxed all night, striking out nine along the way.
“I’ve said it before this year, but tonight was his best night, as far as stuff, from start to finish,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Just the way he tunneled tonight was exceptional. And that’s as good of a team you’re going to see versus [left-handers], and the way he dominated those guys was pretty impressive.”
Indeed, the Redbirds lineup came into the came hitting at a league-leading .321 clip against southpaws this season. Clayton put a quick end to that, allowing just two hits on his night. Other than singles from Dylan Carlson and Paul Goldschmidt, Kershaw kept the St. Louis hitters off the basepaths all night. And that includes no walks.
“The fastball command was better and then my slider, especially the first four innings, was really good,” Kershaw said after the game. “It’s a tough lineup. Goldschmidt and Arenado are two of the toughest at-bats that I have in the game.”
Battery mate Austin Barnes concurred with Kersh’s assessment of his night. “That was the best I’ve seen his slider in a long time,” he said. “I thought he had a good plan, was attacking those guys, doing what he does. When he gets ahead, he’s really good.”
And he’s been really good a lot this year.
Cans of Corn…
- Saturday was Manny Mota bobblehead day as the Dodger pinch hitter extraordinaire was made an official “Legend of Dodger Baseball.”
- Miguel Rojas is working himself back into shape. Did rehab work with the Quakes in Rancho Cucamonga. He’s likely to return to the big club after the weekend.
- Walker Buehler was at the Stadium on Saturday, throwing from 150 ft. Still months away, but encouraging signs.
- Looks like we’re going to get our look at Number 4 prospect Gavin Stone during the Philadelphia series, probably on Wednesday.
- The series with the Cards wraps up on Sunday afternoon. Noah Syndergaard (0-3, 6.58 ERA) takes to the hill still in search of his first win of 2023. In this one he faces off against righty Jake Woodford (1-2, 5.47 ERA). 1:10 first pitch.
