Dodgers 1 Padres 0: KKKKKKKKKKKKKKershaw

The Dodgers finally snap their losing streak and Clayton Kershaw was dominant on the mound.

The Dodgers finally did something today that they could not do so far in this home stand, get a W in the win column. Hopefully this carries into Tuesday when they head to Florida and face the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kershaw was stellar today. He pitched nine complete innings while only allowing three hits and striking out 14. In his nine innings, Kershaw threw 101 pitches, but 75 of those were strikes. He retired the first 14 batters he faced and did not allow a walk. So far in 2016, Kershaw’s strike out to walk ratio is 54:3, which is insane. Usually Kershaw struggles in April, but based on what we have seen so far this season he is locked in.

What made today’s win even better was the fact that Kershaw did it on the mound and with the bat. In the bottom of the third inning, A.J Ellis doubled to right center and Kershaw chopped a base hit into center to drive Ellis home. The only Dodger run of the day was driven in by Kershaw himself.

In the fifth inning Alexei Ramirez got a two out base hit, but to his dismay Yasiel Puig hustled to the ball on the right field line and threw a bullet to Corey Seager who was covering second to get him out.

There is no doubt about it that Kershaw was the player of the game and carried the team on his shoulders. The Dodgers are still struggling to get hits though. Drew Pomeranz was great for the Padres today. He figured out the top of the lineup and they seemed to be quick outs. However, Pomeranz struggled with the bottom of the lineup as Ellis, Kershaw and Trayce Thompson had all three of the Dodgers hits on the day.

All in all, it was a great game for the boys in blue. Kershaw carried the team with a complete game and shutout win, while also giving the bullpen a day off.

My favorite part about today’s win was the Dodger’s post-game locker room celebration.

… Meanwhile, poor Ellis is just trying to get his shirt on.

A win today was much needed for the Dodgers and hopefully it gives them a confidence boost for the next series. They have an off day tomorrow, but will resume Tuesday when the game starts at 4:10 PM from Tampa.