J.D. Martinez provided run support for Clayton Kershaw in his 200th career win as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets, 5-0, in the middle game of their series at Dodger Stadium. The shutout win was the Dodgers’ first of the season.
The night began on a bad note for Kershaw as Jason Heyward dropped a relatively routine fly ball to right field for a three-base error. Kershaw picked up Heyward by striking out the next three batters faced to shift momentum toward the Dodgers’ favor.
Martinez added onto that with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, and a solo shot in the third. That gave Martinez his first multi-homer game with the Dodgers and 19th of his career.
Kershaw continued to dominate his way through the Mets lineup until running into trouble in the seventh inning. He allowed back-to-back singles with two outs but got Tommy Pham swinging to escape the small jam and preserve the Dodgers’ shutout bid.
Kersh. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/isdwFNZa7H
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 19, 2023
JD for two! pic.twitter.com/Cu10d7h7y9
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 19, 2023
Just Dingers does it again! pic.twitter.com/7GshQpc4ou
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 19, 2023
ICE IN HIS VEINS. pic.twitter.com/CD5Tjlo9Ep
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 19, 2023
Wow, Miggy! pic.twitter.com/vknUFAXotr
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 19, 2023
Kershaw let out a long yell after striking Pham out and improved to 11-0 in his career against the Mets.
After Evan Phillips worked a scoreless eighth inning, Freddie Freeman’s sacrifice fly and an RBI single from Martinez provided the Dodgers with more of a cushion. Brusdar Graterol retired the side in order in the ninth inning.
Dodgers celebrate Clayton Kershaw 200 wins
The Dodgers treated Kershaw to a champagne toast in the clubhouse for a celebration of his latest milestone.
“The guys had a toast for me in the locker room, which was really cool,” Kershaw said. “And people even said some stuff that made me uncomfortable, which was great. So yeah, being able to celebrate with your teammates, different accomplishments, is really, really special.”
He joined Don Sutton (233), Don Drysdale (209) as the only pitchers in Dodgers franchise history with at least 200 wins. Kershaw’s .694 career winning percentage is the highest in MLB history for pitchers who have won at least 200 games.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
