Los Angeles Dodgers take down San Francisco Giants, 2 – 1 as Clayton Kershaw outduels Tim Lincecum
The first day of the 2011 Major League Baseball roped up premier action in the National League West division as the 2010 World Series champions, San Francisco Giants, took on the Los Angeles Dodgers. The fixture was held at the Dodgers Stadium, and had the
making of a classic showdown, as the two rivals engaged in a fiery test of play. Perceived to be a good knocker for the rest of the campaign, the Dodgers brought on Clayton Kershaw to take on the Giants’, Tim Lincecum.
Much to the Giants’ fans, Kershaw came out on top as the 23-year-old outdueled the double Cy Young award winning Tim Lincecum in a display that mastered class. He was not only the club’s youngest starter in history, but was also the youngest winning starter
as well. He succeeded Fernando Valenzuela who was the former youngest Dodger in 1983. Furthermore, Kershaw struck out nine hitters in the process - the highest number after Valenzuela started in 1986.
From coming back to the centre stage after Rafael Furcal's erroneous throw in the first, to dispelling possible concessions in the sixth with double play grounders from Aubrey Huff, Kershaw surely proved his worth.
"It was fun tonight," said Kershaw. "I had a blast. It was a good way to start the season -- a great atmosphere, a sell out, Opening Day, a fun time to compete. They're the team to beat, I guess. But a win is a win, as far as I'm concerned."
Kershaw was prompted for an appearance tonight by manager, Don Mattingly, who has been signed on to a multi-year contract. His role with the club is looking to pay dividends and if winning against the Giants is not an indication then there is no other better
way to substantiate that thought.
Mattingly did not put Kershaw in a position to shut out the Giants, which would have otherwise made headlines, had it happened. The skipper pulled the plug on the youngster after seven innings of pitching, which was more of a strategic play than any other
one.
"I asked if he was serious - no, just kidding," Kershaw joked when he was asked if he had the vote to rule off his ejection.
With a win under his belt and an Earning Runs Average of 0, Kershaw is sure to raise a lot of eyebrows in the National League West region.
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