Kershaw’ six shutout innings leads Los Angeles Dodgers past San Francisco Giants, 6-1: MLB Update
Clayton Kershaw pitched six and 2/3 shutout innings as the National League western franchise, Los Angeles Dodgers, overpowered the defending World Series champions, San Francisco Giants, 6-1 on Monday at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Clayton Kershaw
performed as per the expectations of Don Mattingly, the Dodgers’ manager, in this Major League Baseball (MLB) season.
With stadium packed full with spectators, the 23-year-old pitcher kicked-off the game by sending the Giants’ top prospect, Miguel Tejada, out with splendid strike-outs. After pulling off his desired set-up, the left-handed pitcher Kershaw did not allow
any batter to touch the ball.
The man with the 22 number shirt, making his third start of the season, allowed six scoreless hits, made seven strike-outs and allowed just two walks . The win improved his MLB record to 2-1 with 1.37 earned runs average (ERA).
Kershaw, who did not permitted any run in his last 23 and 2/3 innings against the Giants, expressed his full sympathies with the Giants’ longtime fan, Bryan Stow. The game was dedicated to Stow, who is in coma after receiving severe injuries by two
men in Los Angeles outside the Dodgers’ Stadium on 31 March season opener.
"Tonight was an emotional night with the Stow family and everybody's thoughts with them," Kershaw said. "It was a special night with both teams having a common goal in mind. I thought the fans were awesome."
Kershaw received full support from the batters, who made impressive contribution in the top of the innings. James Loney led off for the Dodgers, adding an RBI single in the top of the second and achieved 1-0 lead. Rod Barajas began the four-run fourth
inning with a grand slam to the left field off the Giants’ starter Madison Bumgarner. Andre Ethier, then, added a pair of run-scoring singles and Matt Kemp singled to left allowing Jamey Carroll and Ethier to earn a score.
After receiving a homer, the right-handed pitcher Bumgarner bounced back and made three strike-outs, but could not extend his performance to fourth inning as he again went loose and allowed four-runs. The 21-year-old Kershaw went for five runs on eight
hits including a homer and made just four strike-outs with two walks.
"It was me not being able to put guys away, get them out," Bumgarner said of the fifth. "It was a frustrating game. A lot of things didn't go my way."
While Kershaw and team-mates were enjoying success, there was one player, Rafael Furcal, feeling uncomfortable due to his broken left thumb that may sent him to disabled list on Tuesday.
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