1. Game 1 of the 2023 NLDS
Maybe it is recency bias. Maybe it is the pain that still feels fresh. Maybe it is the fact that this could be Kershaw's last-ever start as a Dodger. Regardless of the reason, it is hard to say that Kershaw has ever had a worse playoff moment than Saturday night's fiasco.
The stakes are pretty low and who knows, the Dodgers could end up saving Kershaw and ensuring that this isn't his last start. If the Dodgers go on to win the NLDS then fans will not remember this disaster in the same light as the 2014 NLDS. That could eventually knock this game down the list.
But when all things are equal and we are just looking at the outing it is impossible to say that this wasn't just Kershaw's worst start in his playoff career, but in his entire career. The greatest pitcher of his generation just allowed five runs without getting an out. It was historically bad for Kershaw. Not just for his standards, but in MLB history.
Dave Roberts confirmed that Kershaw will be starting for the Dodgers in Game 4 on Thursday, assuming LA doesn't get swept in three games by the Diamondbacks. That could give Kershaw a chance to redeem himself and potentially even send his team into the NLCS.
However, the opposite could also happen. Kershaw could deliver the final dagger to the Dodgers' season, and potentially to his Dodgers' career as well.