The St. Louis Cardinals aimed to rattle Clayton Kershaw on Sunday afternoon, but the veteran left-hander responded with a commanding performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 7-3 victory at Busch Stadium. Kershaw showcased his enduring prowess, striking out seven and keeping the Cardinals off the scoreboard for five innings. This marked his first game this season with seven strikeouts, a noteworthy achievement for the 37-year-old.
However, leading up to the game, the Cardinals decided to play a video from 2014 that hit Kershaw where it hurt. The footage featured Matt Adams smashing a go-ahead three-run homer off Kershaw during Game 4 of the National League Division Series, a moment that helped propel the Cardinals to a 3-2 triumph that day and ultimately led to the Dodgers’ elimination from the playoffs.
Kershaw’s reaction to this pregame stunt was candid: “It’s a little bush league, but I don’t expect anything less from these guys. So, it’s no worries. No problem.” It’s a line that reflects both his competitive spirit and his experience, brushing off the Cardinals’ attempt at gamesmanship with a seasoned nonchalance.
Despite the Cardinals’ mind games, Kershaw emerged victorious. This game marked just his fifth start of the season, a testament to his resilience after spending the early months recovering from knee and toe injuries. Since making his season debut on May 17, Kershaw has recorded a 4.35 ERA and tallied 15 strikeouts across those five outings.
The Dodgers, with this win, managed to sidestep a series sweep, having dropped the first two contests to St. Louis. They now stand at 39-27 as they gear up for a three-game series against the San Diego Padres beginning Monday night.
Reflecting on his performance, Kershaw expressed a sense of progress: “The results haven’t always been there, but I feel like there’s been a little bit of progress in each start. Probably the biggest thing, I had a little bit better command.” He noted the importance of making quick adjustments, stating, “When I threw a bad one, I had some ideas on how to fix it with the next pitch. Pitching is just making the adjustment as quick as you can. It wasn’t perfect, but it’s getting better.”
As Kershaw continues to refine his skills and shake off the rust from injury, it’s clear that he remains a formidable force on the mound. The Dodgers will be looking for him to carry this momentum forward as they face their next challenge against a competitive Padres lineup.
