Clayton Kershaw turned in a dominant start and the Los Angeles Dodgers again rallied to defeat the Chicago Cubs, 4-2, and extend their winning streak to six games. The Dodgers also remained undefeated through six games against the Cubs this season.
Kershaw began his night by striking out the side in the first inning and he efficiently faced the minimum through four. Seiya Suzuki led off the fifth inning with a chopper that took a tricky hop to get by Trea Turner for a leadoff single, and Nico Hoerner followed with a ground-rule double.
Yan Gomes’ sacrifice fly gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead, but that was the only earned run Kershaw allowed. Turner was later involved in an unearned run scoring in the seventh inning after fielding a grounder at the edge of the grass but throwing low to home plate.
The ball short-hopped Austin Barnes and kicked away, allowing Patrick Wisdom to slide in safely. That broke a 1-1 tie one inning after Will Smith pulled the Dodgers even with a two-out RBI single.
L.A. responded again in the seventh behind Jake Lamb’s second solo home run in as many nights. They then took a decided lead on Freddie Freeman’s two-run bloop single with two outs and the bases loaded.
With his pitch count under control, Kershaw reached the eighth inning for the first time this season. He retired the first two batters faced and was on the verge of setting the Cubs down in order, but Max Muncy committed an error at third base.
That ended Kershaw’s night at 102 pitches over 7.2 innings, both of which were season highs. His 10 strikeouts were the second-most this year. Kershaw recorded an out in the eighth inning of a start for the first time since June 27, 2021, which also came in a home start against the Cubs.
Evan Phillips needed one pitch to end the eighth inning, and Craig Kimbrel stranded a leadoff walk in the ninth to convert his 15th save of the season.
Is Clayton Kershaw starting the 2022 All-Star Game?
Kershaw’s stellar performance came against the backdrop of a potential All-Star Game selection and debate over whether he should be tabbed to start at Dodger Stadium.
The decision lies in the hands of Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, who will head the National League team.
“When you’re talking about the All-Star Game for 2022, he certainly is deserving. I’ve been reluctant to push as far as starting, but the game is for the fans,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game.
“And it’s only fitting that Clayton would get that opportunity. I know that Brian is a fan of the game and understands the fanbases, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Clayton is named the starter. But again, that’s Brian’s ultimate decision.”
If he receives such honor, it would mark Kershaw’s first career All-Star Game start.
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