Clayton Kershaw Wins With His Arm and His Bat in 1-0 Victory

In the midst of a six game losing streak, Los Angeles Dodgers left hander Clayton Kershaw led by example in the club’s May 1st game at Dodger Stadium against the San Diego Padres. Kershaw pitched brilliantly, firing a three hit complete game shutout in which he struck out 14 and walked none. And with the Dodgers’ offense operating in reverse, Kershaw also provided some help with his bat, driving in A.J. Ellis with a third inning single for the game’s only run in a 1-0 victory, snapping that losing streak.

Kershaw’s dominant performance overshadowed a fine pitching performance by San Diego. Starter Drew Pomeranz allowed just three hits, one walk, and that lone run in seven innings of work. The bullpen held the Dodgers without a hit the rest of the way. The Dodgers’ hitters will have to pick up the pace if they want to get anywhere this year, as Kershaw only plays every fifth game. The victory put the Dodgers into a virtual tie with Colorado and San Francisco, all of whom are at .500, so mediocrity has been the order of the day in the N.L West.