Photo Credit: Los Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are now up in the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 with the chance to win it all on Tuesday. There has always been a narrative within the media and fans everywhere that Clayton Kershaw can’t pitch in the postseason, and with most likely his last start of the 2020 season, he can put those postseason monsters behind him.
Clayton Kershaw pitched in games 1 and 5 in the World Series and couldn’t have pitched any better in either of those games as he gave his team the chance to win both games and play a crucial role for the boys in blue. In game 1, he pitched 6 solid innings in which he only gave up 1 run on two hits with 8 strikeouts. That one run he gave up was a mistake pitch to Rays hitter Kevin Kiermaier who hit it for a home run in the 5th inning. Kershaw would immediately settle down after that and throw one more strong inning. The Dodgers provided run support, giving him the win as they had an explosive 5th inning in which they were able to scratch 4 runs off the Rays. The bullpen was also able to hold down the lead and give Kershaw the win. While the “W” isn’t something that fans should be looking at in terms of performance, it nonetheless puts the cherry on top of a magnificent start.
In game 5, Kershaw’s performance may have been even more pivotal for the team as it gave the Dodgers a huge 3-2 series advantage. He went 5.2 innings pitched while only giving up 2 runs on 5 hits with 6 strikeouts, with the offense once again backing up his strong performance. He ended finishing with a 2.93 ERA in the postseason, which fans shouldn’t overlook as this was arguably the best postseason Kershaw has ever had. The bullpen also contributed to getting Kershaw’s win in game 5 as the only runs scored were on Kershaw himself. We will have to wait and see if his performance translates to a World Series ring as he allowed the team to finish off the series in 6 games.
As a bonus, Kershaw is now at the top of the list for all-time in postseason strikeouts, passing Justin Verlander with 207 strikeouts. This is a tremendous accomplishment and just another milestone that Kershaw has passed on his quest for a championship. While having that record is nice, Kershaw would most likely trade that record for a ring, which is more than okay considering his career checklist has mostly been accomplished.
207 Strikeouts!
Clayton Kershaw now holds the record for most career postseason strikeouts in major league history. #Postseason #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/SYeHrwAIQ3
— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) October 26, 2020
Kershaw has already been ruled out of game 6, which is no doubt understandable as he already has done his job for the team and giving them the chance to close things out. However, should the series be forced to a game 7, it will be more than likely an all hands on deck situation as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will once again have the chance to navigate this team to their first world series win since 1988 with Kershaw there. If need be, Roberts could use Kershaw in a relief role to close out game 7 should it get to the point of desperation. Either way, there is no doubt Kershaw is deserving of a ring for his overall career with the Dodgers and all he’s given the organization, they’ve come so close many times, and now they are just one win away.
Jacob Cisneros is a writer for Dodgers-LowDown. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram @_JacobCisneros.